Research team
Expertise
My research focuses on the intersection of migration and sustainable development, with particular attention to refugees and host communities. I study the socio-economic dynamics of refugee-hosting contexts, including local development outcomes, economic integration, social cohesion, and attitudes and perceptions toward displaced populations. Through quantitative and qualitative research, I aim to contribute to a better understanding of how forced displacement shapes communities and development processes.
Indebtedness, Credit Access, and Financial Vulnerability: A Systematic Assessment of Measurement in Refugee Research
Abstract
Indebtedness, access to credit, and financial vulnerability are conceptually distinct dimensions of refugees' financial circumstances. Observed borrowing does not necessarily imply vulnerability, and the absence of debt neither confirms financial security nor provides evidence of credit access. Although financial inclusion and development research recognize these distinctions, the extent to which they are reflected in empirical measures and analytical interpretations in refugee research remains unclear. This study systematically assesses how indebtedness, access to credit, and financial vulnerability are conceptualized, operationalized, and measured in empirical research on refugees. It combines a systematic review of existing studies with a structured assessment of accessible datasets and survey instruments, complemented by an exploratory study in Uganda to assess the clarity and contextual adequacy of selected survey instruments. The study examines which indicators are used, what distinctions they permit, and whether conceptual frameworks, measures, and interpretations align. It also considers how measurement approaches vary across geographical regions and refugee-hosting contexts. By identifying methodological strengths, limitations, and gaps in existing research and data infrastructure, the study aims to develop a more coherent framework for measuring these interrelated dimensions. Its findings will inform future empirical research and contribute to improving the conceptual clarity and measurement of refugees' financial circumstances.Researcher(s)
- Promoter: Sterck Olivier
- Fellow: Kadigo Mark Marvin
Research team(s)
Funding
- BOF
Project type(s)
- Research Project