West Africa - Coordination of Humanitarian Responses - OCHA 2015

March 2015 - Security and displacement throughout the region of West Africa have continued in 2015. Across the Sahel insecurity and conflict have displaced 2.8 million people a dramatic increase from 1.6 million in January 2014 and food security is expected to deteriorate due to the exhaustion of stocks pasture scarcity food price variations and erosion of livelihoods caused by the recurring crisis. Spiraling violence in north-eastern Nigeria and the Central African Republic continues to force people from their homes and undermines livelihoods compounding the needs of the displaced people and their host communities in Nigeria Chad Niger and Cameroon. The situation in northern Mali remains highly unstable preventing the return of internally displaced people and refugees and the restoration of essential services. The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) is responsible for bringing together humanitarian organizations and governments to ensure a rapid and coherent response to humanitarian emergencies. With the support of DFATD and other donors OCHA is coordinating the international humanitarian response to humanitarian crises in West Africa. Project activities include: (1) strengthening humanitarian leadership; (2) establishing and overseeing coordination systems; (3) monitoring and reporting on humanitarian situations; (4) advocating on behalf of affected people; (5) supporting the assessment and prioritization of humanitarian needs and strategic planning; (6) promoting emergency preparedness; and (7) mobilizing funding for humanitarian assistance.

The expected outcomes for this project include: (1) strengthened coordination systems; (2) enhanced monitoring and reporting on humanitarian situations; (3) enhanced advocacy on behalf of affected populations; (4) strengthened assessment and prioritization of humanitarian needs and strategic planning; (5) improved emergency preparedness; and (6) increased funding for humanitarian assistance. The expected ultimate outcome is lives saved suffering alleviated and human dignity maintained in countries experiencing humanitarian crises or acute food insecurity.