Food security and livelihood assistance to conflict-affected populations in Northeast Nigeria

In Borno, Adamawa and Yobe states (BAY), 4.8 million people are expected to face crisis or worse levels of acute food insecurity in June 2024. Since 2022, inflationary pressures have intensified, driven by soaring food prices and energy costs and the depreciation of the exchange rate. The inflation and resultant high staple food prices are compounded by low crop harvest caused by insufficient rainfall, low agriculture productivity and heightened insecurity, thereby reducing household purchasing power and access to food. In Borno State, a policy of IDP camp closures and decongestions and a simultaneous mass exit of people from areas controlled by non-state armed groups (NSAGs) has intensified pressure on IDP-hosting towns, as well as driven some IDPs to relocate to remote areas where access to farming is essential to their survival, although it remains restricted.

This project, implemented in conflict-affected areas of the BAY States, seeks to respond to the abovementioned challenges and mitigate future shocks by supporting agriculture-based livelihoods assistance to enable vulnerable households (HH) to produce their own food for consumption and surplus for sale.

• Most vulnerable conflict-affected HH (including IDPs, returnees and host communities), who have access to farmland but cannot afford quality farming inputs
• Women with limited access to land

Outcome 1: Improved agricultural productivity and food security in conflict-affected populations

Outcome 2: Enhance nutritional outcomes and livelihood resilience

Expected results:  

• 65,1000 beneficiaries to receive one or several of the following support: kits for rain-fed food and vegetables crop production, inputs for dry season food and vegetables, goat and poultry kits (for women only)
• 15 Farmer-Field Schools established
• 200 farmers trained on good fisheries and aquaculture practices
• 7000 children provided with Locally Produced and processed Supplementary Food (LPSF) “Tom Brown” to prevent malnutrition relapse

Results from previous phases:  

• 11,755 households in the BAY States reached through a variety of interventions including support for rainy and dry season farming, urban and peri-urban farming initiatives, farmer field schools, livestock restocking (goats and poultry), Safe Access to Fuel and Energy (SAFE), and Fresh Food Vouchers
• 93% of beneficiaries from urban and peri-urban areas reported an increase in weekly consumption of nutrient-dense vegetables, contributing to household income and community sharing
• 74% of dry season beneficiaries generated income from the sale of their produce

UN: IOM, UNHCR, UNICEF, Food Security Sector (FSS)

Local authorities: Federal and State Ministries of: Agriculture, Animal Resources/Fisheries, Rehabilitation/Reconstruction/Resettlement, Water, Humanitarian Affairs/Disaster Management, Environment

Civil society: Farmer/herder/fishermen groups, women’s associations, NGOs