The Challenge

Displacement brings substantial new challenges to those it affects, including destruction of assets, depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder, and mental health problems; disruptions to economic activity; and social unrest as people are forced into areas where they may feel socially, culturally, or linguistically isolated. Many internally displaced persons (IDPs) remain displaced for years or even decades. In late 2023, heavy rainfall in Ghana led to flooding that displaced around 26 thousand people and created substantial mental health challenges for victims, leading in several cases to suicide because of losses from floods. 

The Evaluation

In partnership with IPA Ghana and the Government of Ghana’s National Disaster Management Organization, researchers are conducting a randomized pilot evaluation to measure whether providing IDPs with personalized coaching can help them manage challenges associated with forced displacement. Through the program, trained coaches will provide both mental health counseling and information on how to access government assistance programs and find housing and employment opportunities. The intervention involves 330 households recently displaced by flooding.

Results

Results are forthcoming.

Implementing Partner