Report on Socio-Economic Conditions, Businesses and Local Economic Development – UN-Habitat Dadaab Survey 2021

This report is based on a study designed to establish prevailing socio-economic conditions, the nature of businesses and the local economic development in Dadaab, and the trends of urbanization in Garissa County; Kenya. Garissa is an arid and semi-arid County where Dadaab refugee camps are located. The Dadaab refugee complex hosts the largest refugee population in Kenya, in three camps:  Dagahaley, Hagadera and Ifo, with a current total population of 233,661 persons. These camps co-exist with host community who mainly reside in Dadaab Town and neighbouring rural settlements in Fafi and Dadaab sub-counties, But the population face multiple socio-economic challenges and vulnerabilities, with the economy mainly dependent on humanitarian and development aid. During May-June 2021, UN-Habitat conducted socio-economic survey in these localities. The research was part of a broader project designed to recommend a spatial development strategy for the wider Dadaab area. The survey therefore was implemented to generate crucial data and information to support this planning process, to contribute to deepening knowledge about the prevailing socio-economic conditions, and to identify issues related to enhancing local economic development of the area. Unlike most of the previous studies that have primarily focused on refugees, this research focused on both refugees and host community, and went further to study both households and businesses.