ASSESSMENT OF FAMILY BREAKDOWN AND ITS EFFECTS ON THE FAMILY MEMBERS: THE CASE OF SHEDDER REFUGEE CAMP FAFAN ZONE, SOMALI REGIONAL STATE, ETHIOPIA

Abstract

This study was designed to investigate Family breakdown and its Effects on the family member. The study was conducted in the Shedder Refugee Camp, Fafan Zone, Somali Regional State, Ethiopia. The study had five specific objectives aligned with research questions. The study focused particularly on the family members whose family had experienced divorce/separation in the Shedder Refugee Camp. Qualitative research approach was used. Data collection methods included an in depth interview, documentary analysis and focus group discussions (FGD). The sample of the study included eight (8) female and six (6) family members from divorced/separated families and six (6) from three different offices including children and women affairs, Social Affairs and Refugee Community Leader’s offices‟. Data were analyzed thematically and presented in the form of narrative. Purposive sampling technique was used to select the participants. The findings of the study indicated that the effects of divorce/separation on children regardless of sex had economic, social, psychological and academic problem among them. Besides, divorce had effects of internal behavioral impact on female children and external behavioral impact on male children, and majority of the parents in shedder camp has been 1-2 years and 3-4 respectively and there is strong relationship between the prevalence broken families social and economic status of the family members. With regarding the methods or the ways in handling the problem, the study found out family support, social support and governmental and non-governmental support (economic support, resettlement program offer). The study also recommends that maintaining the role and function of the family’s securing the smooth function of the society. Being aware and keeping stability of family.