The Psychosocial Effects of Evictees’ Settlement on the Host Community’s Security in Narok County, Kenya

The Psychosocial Effects of Evictees’ Settlement on the Host Community’s Security in Narok County, Kenya

Regina Wairimu Kamande., Dr. Ann Merecia Sirera., Dr. Gerald Mutonyi

Kenyatta university

DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.47772/IJRISS.2025.903SEDU0594

Received: 23 September 2025; Accepted: 29 September 2025; Published: 31 October 2025

ABSTRACT

Existing literature highlights the impact of evictee settlements on the psychosocial well-being of host communities, which in turn could affect host community overall security. However, there has been limited research on the specific effects of such settlements on the psychosocial stability of the host population. This study aims to fill this gap by examining the impact of the Mau evictees’ settlement on the psychosocial stability of the host community in Narok County, Kenya. The study is guided by  the Human Security Framework, with specific objective to analyze how the settlement of evictees affects the psychosocial wellbeing of host community amid of evictees settlement and its security implication in Narok county, Kenya. This objective is derived from a PhD thesis that critically investigates the impact of the Mau Forest evictees’ settlement on the psychosocial stability and security dynamics of the host community in Narok County, Kenya, through the lens of the Human Security Framework. A cross-sectional survey and phenomenological research designs were adopted to guide the study. The target population were host community adults’ inhabitants in Narok county. A multi-stage sampling approach utilizing cluster, purposive and simple random sampling was used to sample 459 respondents from a total population of 32,750. Questionnaire, interview   and focused group discussion were the main instrument for data collection. Quantitative data was analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistic using multinomial logistic regression. Qualitative data was analyzed thematically and findings from both qualitative and quantitative data were triangulated to provide a sturdy illustrations of the main findings. The findings of the study revealed that evictees settlements negatively affect the psychosocial wellbeing where the participants were of the belief that evictee settlement substantially caused emotional instability to members of the host community at 84.9 %, among other psychosocial effects with Multinomial regression showing a significant effect of B = -4.418 and p = 0.000. Reflecting on prevalence of members of host community best practices to safeguard psychosocial effects being civic participation and community engagement which promoting social integration together with Consolidation and implementation of conflict resolution techniques identified as the best strategies and  practices. The study concludes that evictee settlements lead to the encroachment of host community resources leading to indigenous social, cultural, norms and values disruption which deteriorate host community’s psychosocial well-being which have far reaching effects on the security of the host community. Based on the findings the study recommends the government should address the host community security needs and provide psychosocial and emotional support in events of evictees settlements.

Keywords: Psychosocial well-being, Evictees Host community security, Social integration.

INTRODUCTION

The problem of evictees settlement has become a global concern and more prevalence in developing countries such as Kenya where evictees encroach on resources of the host community. The encroachment by evictee could lead to many human challenges that could affect the psychosocial stability of the host community. In Kenya different community’s hosts victims of evictions due to various reasons. Among them, evictees from Mau-forest who encroached and settled themselves in Narok county placing a burden on the host community psychosocial stability (Human Rights Watch 2019).  The unplanned settlement of evicts has put pressure on scarce resources in the county that has far reaching effects on the security of the county. Despite this, there is limited understanding of how the settlement of evictees affects the psychosocial stability of host communities. This issue remains understudied, especially in comparison to the more well-documented experiences of evictees living in camps, settlements, or other types of displacement. As a result, the psychosocial and security impacts on host communities remain poorly understood, making it difficult to address the challenges faced by populations hosting internally displaced persons (IDPs) and migrants. The effects of evictee settlements on the psychosocial stability of host communities are often overlooked, leading to the normalization of security issues that can have profound and long-lasting impacts on the well-being of host community members.

According to recent data, approximately 272 million people worldwide live outside their home country or community as evictees (UN World Migration Report, 2020).  These people are hosted by communities and survive on the resources in the community environment respective of the ability for sustainability.  This interferes with the community security, which is the foundation for wellbeing and development. Community’s security revolves around ensuring the safety of its citizens and their property, therefore, any intrusion that might cause instability whether real or imagined could have far-reaching consequences. The Copenhagen School of security perceives community security as ‘the sustainability, within acceptable conditions for evolution of traditional patterns of language, culture and religious and national identity and custom’ (Buzan, 1991).  To this end, community security is understood as a multi-stakeholder entity operationalized from human security, human development, and state construction in which members share a trustworthy expectation of peace (Obamamoye 2020). According to Tatiana, Pined, Sara, and Joseph (2020), community security is a strategy that includes a variety of elements that promote human livelihood, including, but not limited to food security, human security, mental health security, economic/labor market welfare, environmental security, and personal security. The human development promotes upward mobility and progression in all aspects of life which can only be achieved once psychosocial security is safeguarded. Within the community, cultural aspects such as customs, norms, and traditional values play a vital role in the survival and cohesion of a community see UNDP , (1994),. These aspects are critical for the survival of the community as they ensure security of the community.

Psychosocial security encompasses factors that minimize psychological, and social harms thereby fostering trust and cohesiveness in a community. Factors such as stress, depression, distrust and  conflicts in the society undermine psychosocial security thereby interfering with the productivity of individuals. Psychosocial security is thus a critical aspect not only for individuals but  more importantly for  entire communities’ wellbeing and development. It is a major contributary aspect to conducive environment that fosters for state building which refers to activities that allow a nation or state to provide its citizens with fundamental services and functions in order to fulfill their duties and obligations (Henning & Sattelberge, 2017. In many cases, host communities provide refuge to individuals forcibly displaced from their homes or land for various reasons. While this act of generosity is commendable, it can significantly affect the psychosocial well-being of the host community. Challenges such as unplanned generosity, unmet basic needs, and increased competition for already scarce resources and utility services between the displaced and the host population can strain psychosocial wellbeing for members of host community either directly or indirectly and threaten overall community security.

Security is a crucial element for any community, as it underpins all aspects of growth and well-being, enabling members to engage openly and collaborate effectively on development initiatives, which in turn fosters an environment conducive to innovation and progress (Greco & Polli, 2021). In the context of evictee settlements, host community security becomes a central concern as it provides the foundation of social stability. This is primarily due to the fact that the livelihoods of both the host community and the evictees are closely tied to the available resources. The influx of evictees often places significant pressure on already limited resources, creating a complex situation that impacts the psychosocial stability of the host community. As competition for natural resources intensifies, economic opportunities become strained, and social tensions rise, the mental well-being of host community members is increasingly affected. The resulting stress, anxiety, and frustration can lead to the erosion of social cohesion, with potential long-term implications for the mental health of the host population. The pressures from evictee settlements, therefore, not only affect the availability of resources but also undermine the psychosocial stability of the host community, posing significant security risks for both the local population and the newcomers (Barman, 2020).Despite this understanding, few studies focus on plight psychosocial security of host communities. While the broader security implications of these tensions have been explored, there is limited research on how they specifically affect the psychosocial well-being of the host community. This study sought to address this gap by examining how the settlement of Mau evictees impacts the mental health of the host population and its potential consequences for community security and stability in Narok County Kenya.

Evictee Settlement And Psychosocial Security Of The Host Community Theoretical Underpinnings

The term “psychosocial well-being” refers to both social and communal well-being as well as emotional or psychological well-being (see Ryff &Singer,2008). While psychological factors include individual-level processes and meanings that affect mental states, social factors include general factors at the level of human society that are concerned with social structure and social processes that have an impact on the individual. Carrillo (2002), findings demonstrate that 67% of evictees report having psychosocial issues such as: sadness, tears, depression, anxiety, dread, despair, aggressive conduct, or an outward appearance of calmness. This could spill over through compassionate fatigue to the host community with far reaching security effects to the host community. For example, evictees could invade into host community farming land in search of livelihood which could affect host community food production.  For example, in Columbia, disagreement ensued between the host communities and evictees especially when the government gave evictees preferential treatments because of their vulnerabilities, which infuriated the host community (Gadermann et al, 2022). Asia-Pacific communities Turkey is home to 4% of Syrian refugees, who are blamed  for illegitimately    living  on   funds intended for national development thereby compromising their well-being of the nationals. Additionally, it is claimed that the refugees were to blame for an increase in theft cases, illegal activities, and prostitution. Such perceptions lead to heightened social tension and a breakdown in trust between the government , its citizens and the refuges. Under such circumstances the community security is compromised in all aspects

Africa is not unique, that is, thousands of people flee their homes forcibly each year due to a variety of reasons, (Brown, Msoka, & Dankoco (2015). According to Fajth, Bilgil, Craig, Melissa (2019), a substantial influx of Congolese refugees in Rwanda had a negative impact on social cohesiveness due to pressure both on diminishing resources and infiltration of host community cultural values. Likewise, in Sudan’s rural Darfur region, host hundreds of internally displaced people who are at odds with the host community over available natural resources such as water, land, and grazing areas, which are already scarce in this arid region (Sakr 2023). This competition heighten conflict between IDPs and the host community, as both groups vie for limited resources necessary for their livelihoods. Additionally, resource disputes strain social relations and amplify existing grievances, potentially leading to increased violence and instability.

Other than material resources,culture as key resource in shapping communities livelihood is also affected Grindheim (2013), study established that significant increase of immigrants from Somalia, Sudan, and Eritrea presented a real social disruption challenge to the Ethiopian host society. Accordingly, evictees brought with them materialistic and intangible cultural values that clashed with those of the host group. This upset the host community’s sense of balance among its ethnic groups leading physical violence between the host community and the evictees which compromised the security of the community (See Labiso, 2020). The author, highlighted significant security effects regarding the psychosocial effects.

According to 2017 CVT Baseline report on the need for mental health services for the host community in Kenya, evictees settlement negatively affects host community psychologically, they suffer from illness related to the invasion by the evictees, which sometime trigger domestic violence and suicidal thought as a result of competition of scarce resources. Implicitly, Social ties that  plays key role in psychosocial relationship between the host community and evictees in predicting the effectiveness and security of a community is undermined.  Tenuous relationship  within the community  negates good neighborliness, that facilitates civic involvement, engagement, and sociability that are critical in enhancing social bonds. The long-term deterioration of community social ties could lead to resentments between the host and evictee communities. Accordingly, neighborliness, depends on the host community’s acceptance and readiness to accommodate immigrants, which is essential for peaceful coexistence. However, the host community  initial receptiveness of the evictees is often undermined by the competition for scarce resources, the perceived adulteration of their culture and perceived involvement in criminal activities that undermine social cohesion, that encourage civic engagement.

Civic involvement has numerous advantages for both the host community’s security, it could enhance one’s social networks and social skills that could improve economic development as social skills give capacity for employment opportunities Alamdar, (2020). it provides forum for understanding between host community and evictees as affirmed by Gsir (2014), that civil engagement could be a route for evictees to engage human development in host community which could strengthen community security. To the contrary, social and cultural disparities serve as a barrier reactivating discussion of potential friction between the host community and evictees and undermining good integration. This hinders development and implementation of integration frameworks for evictees in the host community. Lucas (2020), established that majority of evictees lack civic education, information about host communities, and knowledge of evictee rights in a new formal or informal settlement. This bars evictees, refugees, and other immigrants’ opportunities to participate in civil activities denying them opportunity for interaction that fosters trust critical for integration.

In Kenya issues social and cultural disparities have been found to affect communal neighborliness. According to the Waki Commission’s (2008) report, ethnicity was noted as a significant element in the post-election violence in 2007/2008. Over 600,000 people were displaced by ethnically motivated violence, and 1,133 people died as a result. These IDPs people eventually encroached on neighboring communities and are now housed in run-down camps all over the country. Study indicated that  cultural disparities resulted into intercommunal violence forcing victims to become evictees.

Theoretical Framework: The Human Security Framework

The study draws on human security framework to understand the security compromised Human security framework as outlined by Abutundu (2003), emphasizes the well-being and protection of individuals within a community, focusing on various dimensions of security economic, social, mental, political, and environmental. It seeks to safeguard fundamental freedoms, ensuring that people have the necessary building blocks for survival, livelihood, and dignity. This approach recognizes that true human security is a holistic concept that goes beyond economic resources to include cultural and psychosocial aspects, which shape relationships among community members. Human security also highlights the importance of addressing the vulnerabilities of socially disadvantaged groups who may be exposed to both physical and mental violence (UNDP, 1994).

In the context of evictee settlements, the Human Security Framework informs on the need to interrogate how such settlements affect the psychosocial stability and security of the host community. As evictees encroach on the host community’s resources, livelihoods, and social structures, they pose a range of threats that can compromise the community’s overall well-being. These threats include resource strain, economic decline, and the disruption of psychological  and social relationship all which have an impact on psychosocial security of the host community. In this study, human security is centered on both the individual and the community, focusing on how evictee settlements can undermine the host community’s access to resources, economic stability, and social cohesion. The study employs this framework to analyze the impacts of evictee encroachment on the host community’s livelihoods, examining how it exacerbates tensions and disrupts social relations, and exploring how the community can be empowered to safeguard their quality mental wellness. By evaluating the effects of these encroachments, this approach helps to identify the potential outcomes and the strategies needed to maintain psychosocial security and stability within the host community.

Operational Framework

Figure 1: Relationship between Evictees settlement and the psychosocial security of the host community

Summary of The Conceptual Frame Work

The conceptual frame work illustrates the relationship of the variable studied. The independent variable in the study was evictees’ settlements. The indicators that were measured were: contribution of evictees settlements on emotional challenges, Social ties disruption and Lack of Civic participation/ engagement and how it impacted to host community’s security. The pointers for psychosocial instability included: Wide spread of trauma and mental health issues, Social fragmentation and tension and Cultural values distortion. The dependent variable of this study was the host community’s security. Host community’s security in this study was measured in ability of host community in securing their natural resources, food security, physical and mental health security, social security and economic/labor market security which inform human security, human development and state building. The relationship of the independents variable and dependents variable was verified in presence of intervening variables which were the best practices and approaches by the host community which include; community-oriented approaches, enactment of repatriation policies and laws, multi-disciplinary approach for social relation, integrated support plans for host community and implementation of conflict resolution technique.

RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

The study embraced a mixed research approach which include a descriptive cross-sectional survey and phenomenological research design. Target population for this study were adults inhabitants of Narok county who comprises host community, local security authority and humanitarian agencies. According to KNBS (2019) Narok county is among most populated county with population of approximate 1,157,873 populations: 579,042 males, 578,805 females and 26 intersexes. The selection of this population was based on the understanding that local communities’ adults in Narok host Mau Forest evictees hence they understand better the security challenges evictee settlement pose to their community. The other population of interest for this study were the local security authority and humanitarian agencies. The study utilized multi stage sampling which include both probability and non-probability techniques to achieve the objectives of the study. Multi-stage sampling technique is preferred sampling technique for large population where every sub-population is desired to be presented. During these sessions, participants were informed that their involvement in the study was entirely voluntary. The researcher also assured all respondents of strict adherence to ethical research standards, including the protection of their privacy, anonymity, and confidentiality throughout and following their participation in the study. The intentions of the study were also explained to the participants and the structure of the questioning was too explained before embarking to the procedure.

ANALYSIS AND FINDINGS

The study sought 459 participants to take part in the research. As seen in the table, 360 questionnaires were distributed Out of 360, 338 were returned leading to a rate of 93.9, all 20 participants set for interview participate, while in focus group out of the anticipated 60 participants, 48   at a response rate of 80 % participated. The study overall response rate of 92.3% which was deemed adequate to address the concerns of the study. Sataloff and Vontela (2021) observed that   a response rate of 60% and above is adequate in responding to the concerns of the study.

Psychosocial effects of evictees’ settlement on the host community’s security

This section analyzes data highlighting how evictee settlements create psychosocial challenges that affect individual mental states, social factors, and overall well-being. The encroachment of evictees into a host community leads to significant psychological difficulties for local residents, causing mental instability and emotional distress. As the influx of evictees strains resources and social systems, host community members experience disruptions in their lives and a perceived loss of stability in their community.

The following table shows the composition of respondents’ responses to various statements in the three response categories used. The study looked at the psychosocial effects of evictees’ settlement on the host community in Narok County in the context of multifaceted domain pertaining to psychosocial issues, including emotional instability, social disruption, peaceful coexistence, drug and substance abuse, domestic violence, spread of STDs, social ties, and civic participation

The data highlights the significant negative psychosocial impacts of evictee settlements on the host community. A large majority of respondents (84.9%) agreed that the settlement led to emotional instability, while 84.6% cited cultural differences as a key cause of social disruption, hindering integration and cooperation. The clash of cultural values resulted in a lack of peaceful coexistence, with 65.4% of respondents acknowledging that shared cultural values did not foster harmony. Furthermore, 86.1% of respondents reported an increase in domestic violence and the spread of STDs as a result of cultural changes. While 49.1% disagreed that evictee settlement exacerbated drug and substance abuse, 73% of respondents noted a rise in physical violence linked to the settlement. The breakdown of social ties was also significant, with 75.4% agreeing that the encroachment led to weakened social engagement, reduced civic participation, and a decline in overall community cohesion.

The data reveal the substantial psychosocial and security implications of evictee settlements on host communities, particularly when examined through the human security framework. Human security broadens the concept of safety to include not only protection from physical harm but also the safeguarding of economic stability, social cohesion, and public health. The findings reveal widespread emotional instability driven by several factors among them unplanned compassionate,cultural differences suggesting that the evictee host dynamic has eroded critical aspects of community resilience.one of the speaker explained……

“The forced settlement of evictees in our community has increased cases of mental health issues in the community. Family, friends, and relatives are now overwhelmed with their increasing needs especially on basics commodities.” (Participant 27/ 18/2/2024)

This quote reflects the emotional and the psychological problems that the forced evictees’ settlements have caused the host community. Although evictees are not the main cause for mental health issues among members of the host community, the phrase increased cases of mental issues suggests that the pressures of dealing with the sudden influx of the evictees are leading to mental health challenges such as anxiety, depression, and emotional distress among the local population. The feeling of being “overwhelmed” by the situation particularly the strain on family, friends, and relatives highlights the social and emotional burdens of having to manage additional demands in an already stressed environment.

The reported rise in domestic violence, physical violence and the breakdown of social ties reflect a direct threat to both individual and collective well-being. A participants pointed out that…

“Since hosting of our relatives in our home compound, violence and fights have always erupted due to arguments over small things such as food share and ownership of other small things. Again hosted person (s) are always in anger, we do not why “(Participant 39/5/3/2024)

This quote reflects the challenges faced by a host community when accommodating the evictees or relatives. The mention of frequent violence and conflicts over trivial matters, such as food sharing and ownership of small items, indicates underlying tension and frustration. The disputes, while seemingly minor, point to deeper issues of stress, economic strain, and potentially a lack of clear boundaries or communication within the household.

These outcomes illustrate how human security is compromised not just through overt violence but via deeper, structural erosion of social and psychological safety. Furthermore, while nearly half of the respondents did not perceive an increase in substance abuse, the presence of any rise in drug use or alcoholism is still a notable concern, as such behaviors are strongly associated with mental health deterioration, reduced productivity, and heightened vulnerability to crime and exploitation. Therefore, the impact of evictee settlements extends beyond integration challenges and into the broader realm of human security, affecting nearly every dimension of the host community’s well-being. In this context, the evictees’ settlement is perceived by host communities as a disruption to the established social order, triggering conflict rooted in cultural divergence and contested space.

On social disorder as result of social disruption, one research participant had this to say…

“Our children’s behaviors and discipline have been fragmented. Most children have turned to be delinquent as a result of dropping from school due to peer influence from those in the camp who do not go to school but spend their days loitering around. This is against our norm. The follow-up which was there before by the government agents such as chiefs and assistant chiefs is no longer there due to the increase of delinquent cases” (Participant 34/ 25/2/2024)

The quote illustrates how the fragmentation of social structures, especially regarding children’s education and behavior, undermines the security of the host community. Evictee settlements is not the key driver of increased delinquency in the host community, however evictees encroachment contributed to the disruption of long-established norms, such as the diligent oversight of children’s activities by the local authorities, creating an environment conducive to crimes and delinquencies (Amuedo-Dorantes et al., 2021). Drawing from the differential association theory, fragmentation occurs when children, particularly those neighboring the evictees camps, fall under the negative influence of their peers many of whom have dropped out of school and spend their time idly, often engaging in delinquents or criminal activities (McGloin, & Thomas, 2019). This deviation from communal expectations, where children were once anticipated to prioritize education and discipline, weakens the fabric of social order.

The high percentages reported social order incompatibility, weakened civic engagement, and rising violence align with this framework, as these outcomes are symptomatic of deeper structural inequalities and power imbalances. The host community’s perception of encroachment on social norms and public resources likely fosters resentment, leading to social fragmentation and conflict escalation. Thus, the evictee settlement could become a catalyst for broader social tensions, reinforcing the idea that unresolved structural disparities and cultural divides can generate psychosocial distress and community-level insecurity.

While the initial thematic analysis and descriptive statistics provided valuable insights into the perceived impact of evictee settlement on the psychosocial well-being and security of host communities, these methods are inherently limited in scope. Descriptive statistics are useful for summarizing data and identifying patterns or trends, but they do not allow for causal inferences or the assessment of statistical significance. Consequently, conclusions drawn from descriptive analysis alone cannot be confidently generalized beyond the study sample, nor can they determine the strength or direction of relationships between variables. To address this limitation and determine whether evictee settlement has a statistically significant effects on host community psychosocial wellbeing, a multinomial logistic regression analysis was conducted. This approach enables a more robust assessment of the relationship between evictee settlement and various dimensions of host community psychosocial wellbeing and it implication on host community security.

Multinomial logistic regression analysis

To conclusively examine the general objective of the study as mentioned, a multinomial logistic regression analysis assess how evictees’ settlement and encroachment influence various dimensions of psychosocial wellbeing of host community was done. The dependent variable includes different types of psychosocial wellbeing security effects (e.g. social ties disruption, cultural practices adulteration, increase in domestic violence, increase in spread of STDs, difficulties in curbing drug abuse.)

The multinomial logistic regression analysis presented reveals a statistically significant relationship between psychosocial instability resulting from evictee settlement encroachment and multiple security-related challenges within the host community. Notably, social ties disruption demonstrates a strong negative association with psychosocial wellbeing (B = -4.418, p < 0.001, Exp(B) = 0.012), suggesting that as psychosocial wellbeing declines, the likelihood of disrupted social cohesion increases significantly. This indicates that the erosion of interpersonal and communal relationships is a critical consequence of psychosocial instability. Additionally, a significant positive association is observed between psychosocial instability and increased domestic violence (B = 1.101, p = 0.020, Exp(B) = 3.009), implying that psychological distress and emotional instability may elevate the risk of interpersonal conflicts and aggression within households.

The analysis further establishes a strong predictive relationship between psychosocial instability and the spread of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) (B = 1.702, p < 0.001, Exp(B) = 5.483). This may be attributed to heightened vulnerability, engagement in risky sexual behaviors, and a deterioration of normative structures and decision-making capacities within the affected population. Similarly, a significant association is found between psychosocial instability and difficulties in curbing drug and substance abuse (B = 1.209, p = 0.002, Exp(B) = 3.350), highlighting the link between psychological distress and increased susceptibility to substance-related issues within the host community. Using a type of statistical analysis, it found clear links between these new settlements and several serious challenges for the host communities.

The findings reveals that when evictee settlements disrupt the local social environment, it often leads to a breakdown in community relationships, a rise in domestic violence, more cases of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), and an increase in drug and substance abuse. For example, as people in the community feel more emotionally and mentally unstable, it becomes much harder to maintain strong social bonds. At the same time, this instability can create tension at home, encourage risky behaviors, and make it harder to tackle drug problems.

Again, results highlight how deeply mental and emotional wellbeing affects community safety and stability. The study strongly suggests that when people are resettled, support for their mental health and social integration must be a key part of the process. Ignoring these issues could make already vulnerable communities even more fragile.

Taken together, these findings underscore the profound implications of psychosocial instability on both individual wellbeing and broader community security. The consistently significant odds ratios across all examined variables highlight the urgent need for policymakers and stakeholders to integrate psychosocial support mechanisms into resettlement and integration frameworks. Failure to address these psychosocial dimensions may exacerbate existing vulnerabilities, thereby undermining social cohesion and contributing to increased insecurity in host communities already under strain.

CONCLUSION

The study found that the settlement of the evictees negatively impacts the local community psychosocially. They present the local community with negative psychological issues. From the findings, settlement of evictees has undermined the psychosocial well-being of the host communities, with wide ranging implications on human security. Psychological distress among members of the host community was found to be prevalent, marked by heightened anxiety, emotional instability, and increased vulnerability to depression. The introduction of communicable diseases, including sexually transmitted infections, was also noted, heightened by inadequate healthcare systems. These cumulative stressors, compounded by socio-economic hardship, have contributed to rising cases of domestic violence and social unrest, signaling a deterioration in both health and personal security which key pillars of the Human Security framework that inform human development and state development.

Cultural discord also emerged as a central factor contributing to psychosocial disruption. Evictees’ limited awareness and ignorance of local and legal customs led to cultural clashes. For example, Forced benevolence, where host families are compelled to shoulder involuntary social responsibilities, undermines community security by eroding individual self-sufficiency and collective resilience. Although benevolence is typically positive, its forced nature leads to stress, emotional fatigue, and reduced self-efficacy, diminishing individuals’ capacity to cope with challenges and weakening their engagement in community development. This psychological burden impairs cooperation and shared responsibility, ultimately fracturing social cohesion and increasing vulnerability within host communities.

Similarly, the reclamation of ancestral land by evictees disrupts traditional land transaction norms, challenging the cultural principle that land sales are final. These reclaims create tension, mistrust, and conflict among community members, particularly when previously settled agreements are contested. Such disruptions destabilize familial and communal relationships, threaten established social order, and escalate insecurity by undermining trust and certainty in land ownership structures.

The absence of structured community engagement or sensitization before settlement further deepened these divisions. Inferential analysis reinforced the link between psychosocial stress and host community security. Together, these findings underscore the necessity for holistic, inclusive, and informed responses that strengthen community resilience and safeguard human security in hosting of evictees contexts.

RECOMMENDATIONS

Promoting emotional stability and fostering social cohesion between host communities and evictees requires a multi-dimensional and participatory approach. A foundational step involves establishing community-based psychosocial support systems, including localized mental health services and trauma-informed counseling tailored to the cultural contexts of both members of host community and members from evictees groups. Beyond mental health considerations, sustainable integration necessitates deliberate efforts to facilitate intergroup interaction. Structured community workshops featuring intercultural dialogues, collaborative community-based programs and events, and inclusive activities serve to build trust, reduce prejudice, and promote mutual understanding. The involvement of diverse stakeholders, including youth organizations, faith institutions, and educational entities, ensures broader community engagement and social inclusivity.

Equally critical is the formation of a community-led governance structure that incorporates representatives from both populations, alongside local authorities and civil society actors. Such a body should be empowered to co-develop and oversee decisions related to resource allocation, settlement design, and communal security. Transparent deliberation within this framework reinforces legitimacy and strengthens community ownership over the integration process.

Collaborative resource planning is imperative for preempting competition and enhancing equity. Regular participatory forums supported by tools such as community mapping and participatory budgeting can facilitate the co-creation of shared resource management strategies across domains like education, water access, and healthcare provision.

Strategic public awareness initiatives are also essential in shaping community perceptions and reducing stigma. Multi-platform campaigns amplified through traditional and digital media should disseminate accurate, culturally sensitive narratives that promote empathy and inclusion.

The integration process must be underpinned by a robust monitoring and evaluation mechanism. Systematic tracking of social indicators such as intergroup relations, conflict frequency, and equitable service access will enable real-time assessment and adaptive programming, ensuring responsiveness to emerging dynamics.

By engaging in discussions about resource allocation, security measures, and settlement planning, the local population can ensure their concerns are addressed, promoting a sense of ownership and empowerment. This participatory approaches not only enhances the safety and well-being of both the host community and the evictees but also fosters greater social cohesion, mutual understanding, and a more inclusive environment for all.

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