This paper is part of a three-year project that aims to generate innovative and long-term thinking around livelihoods support in urban displacement. The research draws on a collection of three city studies in Mekelle (Ethiopia), Mosul (Iraq) and Baidoa (Somalia) – each exploring the extent to which a disconnect exists between what IDPs are already doing to secure their livelihoods, and the kinds of livelihoods support that aid actors are providing. The research provides a wide-ranging mapping of the often overlooked priorities and strategies of IDPs, as well as the barriers and opportunities to livelihoods, and the role of governments and aid actors in supporting IDPs. The findings are drawn from existing knowledge and data (derived through an extensive literature review), as well as new insights from primary data collection.
