Refugees Came and Left, What Remains? The Case of Ngara District, North – Western Tanzania

Abstract

This article is based on a study, which used a qualitative approach to examine the impact of refugees on the intangible cultural heritage of the host community. In- depth interviews, non-participant observation and focus group discussions were used to gather data from Ngara District in Tanzania. Data was analysed using an inductive approach. The article reveals that the presence of refugees in an area, accelerated by socio – economic demands, can lead to both negative and positive effects on the intangible cultural heritage of the locals. The article concludes that despite the fact that refugees affect the intangible cultural heritage of the host community, there is a need of involving the local community in protecting and managing the positive effects accrued from the refugees. This will be the best way of eradicating the negative effects. The article provides better understanding of the broad theory on migration, especially on the kinds of impact that refugees have on cultural heritage resources, and how to involve locals to ensure sustainability of such resources.