Portraying borderlands in their own right as the epicentres of economic and social activity has important implications for development actors, states themselves, and regional bodies. Nevertheless, little is known about the opportunities that border presents in terms of livelihood. Most of earlier studies on cross-border mobility approach aspects of informal border movements from a human trafficking point of view and also from the perspective of human rights. While this is important, it means that the issue of informal border movements has been overlooked. The aim of this study is therefore to provide a better understanding of the livelihood opportunities that borders present. The study adopted qualitative approach in which the study focused on the perceptions and lived experiences of the study participants. The study carried out observations, interviews and focus group discussions to understand the livelihood opportunities that Nimule-Elegu border presents to the borderland communities in Nimule, South Sudan. The findings were as follows: along the South Sudan-Uganda borderlands, refugee dynamics contribute to local economic calculus; food aid given to refugees by international agencies sometimes ends up in local markets; one commonly identified business activity that drives livelihood at the border of Nimule is money exchange. The study also established that the long civil war in South Sudan, followed by difficulties associated with building a civilian-led government in the post-independence period and related social and economic impacts has led to deterioration of livelihoods and social and market ties.

Keywords: Borderland, Cross-border, livelihood, Mobility, Nimule and South Sudan