IRC, Enhancing multi-sectoral reponse to support conflict-affected populations in northeast Nigeria

Project completed

As of June 2016, the violence of the extremist group Boko-Haram displaced 2.7 million people, 6% of them having taken refuge in neighbouring countries. The highly unstable State of Borno hosts 68% of the total displaced population, 86% of them are residing in host communities in dire overcrowded conditions. IRC proposes to improve access on protection, WASH and nutrition services for IDPs, returnees and host communities in Borno State.

Country/region Topic Period Budget
Nigeria
Human rights
Humanitarian Assistance & DRR
Human rights (incl. Women's rights)
Material relief assistance
Emergency food assistance
01.08.2016 - 31.07.2017
CHF  1’000’000
Background

As a result of Boko Haram terrorist activities, residents of the north-eastern States have fled their homes to relocate in Nigeria and the surrounding countries of Chad, Niger and Cameroon. The protracted and often multiple displacements lead to a drastically lessened access to resources in the affected States which were already amongst the most underdeveloped and neglected areas of the host countries before the crisis. The current counter offensive from the Nigerian and regional Armed Forces progressively open access to hundreds of thousands of people who were out of reach by the humanitarian actors and with desperate life-saving needs.

Protection is amongst the top priorities as reports recurrently describe widespread gender based violence. 53% of the internally displaced population (IDPs) are females and 55% of the IDPs are children with high numbers amongst them being Unaccompanied and Separated Children (UASC). In all locations, for both the IDPs and the host communities, the level of assistance remains far below the existing needs. Newly accessed populations are traumatised after witnessing terrible acts of cruelty and terror.

Due to the length and dynamics of the crisis, community groups have been separated, leaving individuals even more vulnerable in the absence of protective social networks. In addition to providing services in Nutrition, WASH and psychosocial care, the project will enhance access to information that supports decisions about where to live, how to register with authorities, and how to access available services and rights to which they are entitled to.

Objectives

IDPs, returnees and vulnerable host community members affected by conflict and insecurity benefit access to humanitarian assistance and protection services.

Target groups

Protection: 14’600 individuals

Child Protection: 3’954 children

WASH: 60’000 individuals

Nutrition: 29’600 children, pregnant and lactating women

Medium-term outcomes
  1. Community-based protection structures/mechanisms are strengthened and conflict-affected population empowered to take the lead in their own protection.
  2. Conflict-affected children are safe in their homes and communities and receive support if they experience harm in the targeted LGAs.
  3. Improved access to safe drinking water and increased knowledge on hygiene behaviours and sanitation practices.
  4. Under-5 children, pregnant and lactating women are protected from malnutrition through case detection, prevention, treatment, and strengthened integration of surveillance systems for timely response and programming.
Results

Expected results:  

1.1 Community self-management and self-protection strategies are supported.

1.2 Community outreach activities and sensitisation campaign are implemented.

1.3 Vulnerable individuals have access to protection services.

2.1 Safe Healing and Learning Spaces (SHLS) are easily accessible and providing regular activities for children.

2.2 Child protection case management services are implemented.

2.3 Community-Based Child Protection Mechanisms (CBCPM) are strengthened.

3.1 IDPs and host communities have safe and convenient access to latrines and bathing facilities, and have water points rehabilitated.

3.2 Hygiene promotion and health awareness activities are conducted in thirty communities.

3.3 Non-food item kits are distributed to IDPs.

4.1 Treatment of acute malnutrition is equally accessible for both mothers and children.

4.2 Treatment of acute malnutrition is of good quality.


Results from previous phases:  

  • 56 community structures equipped to identify, report and mitigate protection risks and concerns.
  • 10 Safe Healing and Learning Spaces with trained volunteers from the IDP community providing regular activities for children.
  • Registered Unaccompanied and Separated Children reunified with their families or placed in alternative care.
  • 7’500 individuals with a reduced risk of water, sanitaiton and hygiene risks through the provisions of Non Food Items, potable water, sanitation facilities and improved hygiene practice.
  • 35’000 children screened for Severe Acute Malnutrition by 300 trained Community Volunters and Health Workers and 750 community memebers with improved understanding of nutrition through attending cooking demonstration.
  • Camp coordination mechanisms reinforced through training and joint advocacy campaigns, leading to improved service provision of 4 Sector Working Groups.


Directorate/federal office responsible SDC
Credit area Humanitarian aid
Project partners Contract partner
International or foreign NGO
  • International Rescue Committee


Other partners
  • ECHO: Co-financing
  • State level government
  • NGOs and Civil Society Groups, Community and Religious Leaders, Volunteers
  • Host and Displaced beneficiaries
Coordination with other projects and actors
  • Ministries of: Women Affairs and Social Development / Health / Reconstruction Rehabilitation and Resettlement / Water Resources
  • N / SEMA: National / State Emergency Management Agency
  • UN agencies: OCHA / UNHAS / UNHCR / UNICEF
  • International Organisations: ICRC / IOM
  • NGOs: ACF / INSO / MSF-NL / SCF / INGO Coordination Forum
Budget Current phase Swiss budget CHF    1’000’000 Swiss disbursement to date CHF    948’658 Total project since first phase Swiss budget CHF   300’000 Budget inclusive project partner CHF   1’300’000
Project phases

Phase 2 01.08.2016 - 31.07.2017   (Completed)