Niger - Humanitarian Assistance - CARE Canada 2016

February 2016 - Niger continues to face significant challenges related to food insecurity and malnutrition natural disasters and epidemics. An estimated 2 million Nigeriens will be in need of food assistance in 2016 and an equal amount of children are suffering from acute malnutrition an increase of nearly 50% over 2015 levels. This heightened vulnerability has exacerbated the impact of acute crises such as the spread of the Boko Haram conflict into Niger from neighbouring Nigeria. Since 2014 the conflict has driven nearly 100 000 Nigerian refugees and Nigerien returnees into Niger’s Diffa region while a recent increase in violent raids by Boko Haram has led to the displacement of over 50 000 people and placed additional stress on vulnerable host communities. With DFATD’s support CARE Canada is helping to assist up to 14 000 conflict-affected people in the Diffa region. Project activities include: (1) providing cash transfers benefitting up to 14 000 people; (2) rehabilitating 20 water points installing 60 latrines and providing water vouchers to 1 500 households; (3) providing non-food items; (4) screening and referring cases of acute malnutrition; and (5) sensitizing families on practices to prevent acute malnutrition.

The expected immediate outcomes for this project include: (1) improved capacity of vulnerable households to meet their basic needs; (2) improved access to water hygiene and sanitation services; (3) improved access to essential household items; and (4) improved access to treatment for acute malnutrition and enhanced awareness of prevention methods. The expected ultimate outcome is lives saved suffering alleviated and human dignity maintained in countries experiencing humanitarian crises or acute food insecurity.