Forced Displacement and Living Conditions of Receiving Communities: The Case of Pasto, Nariño (Desplazamiento Forzado y Condiciones de Vida de las Comunidades de Destino: El Caso de Pasto, Nariño) (Spanish)

Abstract

The armed conflict in Colombia has left over 3,3 million displaced persons seeking refuge in the cities. Studies on displacement in Colombia have focused on examining the losses that this crime inflicts on the victims, but have made little progress on analyzing its effects on the standard of living of the receiving communities. This study uses impact evaluation techniques to assess the effects of displacement on populations living in strata 1 and 2 areas in Pasto, Narino. The findings indicate that displacement has mixed effects on the living conditions of the receiving communities. Although there are negative effects in terms of security and food security, there have been positive effects on trust and social infrastructure. This indicates that while the displaced population generates tension in the receiving communities, it also provides solutions to historical social problems, such as lack of education and health infrastructure.