The effect of micro credit on life restoration and community formation in resettlement households affected by the tsunami – A Study on Resettlement with Housing Relocation in Sri Lanka after the Indian Ocean Tsunami in 2004 Part 3

Abstract

Abstract This paper analyzed the effect of micro credits in resettlement sites from the perspectives of the NGO staff and residents who participated in micro credit groups. The results are listed below. (i) Micro credits have economic effects for reconstructing life by providing loans for economic activities in resettlement sites in which economic activities are difficult due to the geographical and spatial features. (ii) Micro credits have social effects on community formations through micro credit activity and reorganizing household relationships in resettlement sites. NGO staff and residents organized micro credit groups through neighborhood and family/relative relationships, which succeeded from a previous settlement. Moreover, they created new relationships in addition to these existing relationships. (iii) These results show that micro credits may be a method for sustainable residence in resettlement sites that arise after natural disasters.

Keywords

• community
• housing relocation
• micro credits
• the Indian Ocean Tsunami
• Sri Lanka