Paper short abstract:

This paper draws on research exploring IDP adaptive strategies. By mapping these strategies, and analysing the obstacles and opportunities for their wellbeing, the paper challenges humanitarian actors to support communities in ways that reflect their own experiences, preferences and aspirations.

Paper long abstract:

While humanitarian assistance provides a critical lifeline in crisis, the strategies that people are themselves able to deploy can be a critical determinant of their survival and recovery. People under pressure seek out options and opportunities wherever they may be, including activities labelled by aid actors as risky, illicit or dishonest (Mosberg & Eriksen, 2015).

Maximising humanitarian assistance was an important strategy practised to differing extents by many Afghans and Mozambicans in our research. Some split their household into smaller units or across multiple places to increase opportunities for registering for aid. Others trade the assistance they receive for more essential or desirable items, or sell it altogether to repay debts or generate small returns to invest in other ventures.

Such examples of agency and entrepreneurship (which are applauded in everyday society) are often interpreted by aid actors and local authorities as subversive, manipulative or ungrateful in displacement contexts. This reaction not only ignores the structural factors that compel displaced people to act in this way in the first place, but it also contributes to a hostile environment that exacerbates their trauma and suffering (Iazzolino, 2021).

Instead of penalising people for being strategic and resourceful, aid actors must consider how to adapt assistance so that it meets their needs. When aid does not include the goods and items that people need, it is not surprising that exchanges and trades are made. For example, under the right conditions, cash transfers offer greater flexibility and autonomy than in-kind assistance or vouchers.