Business activities as a sustainable livelihoods strategy

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The Palestinian-Israeli conflict has existed for nearly 60 years and for nearly 60 years UNRWA has assisted the Palestinian refugees in the Near East primarily with relief services. Nowadays, however, the concept of economic self-sufficiency becomes increasingly important in the context of international refugee assistance. Following this trend, UNRWA is shifting from a relief to a human development organization which focuses more and more on income generating activities. How can UNRWA support business activities in a Palestinian refugee camp as a means for achieving sustainable livelihoods? The author Rica Terbeck conducted a field study in a camp in Syria in order to find out what factors determine the success of local businesses. She describes the socio-economic framework of Palestinian refugees in Syria and the characteristics of the Sustainable Livelihoods Approach. Based on a macroeconomic analysis of the Syrian economy and her study of the camp market she develops business support strategies for UNRWA. The book addresses development and humanitarian workers as well as policy makers, academic researchers and everyone else who is interested in the Palestinian refugee case.