Understanding livelihood strategies and coping mechanisms adopted during COVID-19: A study on Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh

The coronavirus disease (COVID-19) has disrupted the lives of people worldwide, severely impacting marginalized communities. Among marginalized communities, Rohingya refugees face numerous challenges, including limited access to education, healthcare, and livelihood opportunities. Therefore, this study seeks to understand the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the various livelihood choices pursued by Rohingya refugees and the related coping mechanisms adopted. Additionally, the study also looks into the effectiveness of the various types of aid provided to the refugees. This study draws on quantitative data collected through face-to-face interviews conducted in September 2022. Using a cross-sectional dataset covering 339 households from Rohingya refugee camps in Bangladesh, we performed a regression analysis to find out the adoption of coping mechanisms based on livelihood choices. Results revealed that refugees who were self-employed were the most impacted by the pandemic, additionally, a rise in the shift of livelihoods of refugees from employment to self-employment during the pandemic was also recorded. Regarding the coping mechanisms adopted by the self-employed, the most popular coping mechanisms were the sale of breeding animals and the withdrawal of children from school. Additionally, the majority of self-employed refugees prioritized the change or recovery of their livelihoods. Hence, it is recommended that aid agencies and the host government provide additional non-monetary assistance to Rohingya refugees who have recently shifted their livelihood activities from employed to self-employed.