Niger - Shelter and Relief Items - Development and Peace 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 Development and Peace is helping to assist up to 8 400 conflict-affected people in the Diffa region. Project activities include: (1) supporting the construction or rehabilitation of emergency shelter benefitting up to 4 500 people; (2) constructing latrines hand-washing stations and showers across 12 villages; (3) providing non-food items benefitting up to 4 500 people; and (4) providing livelihoods support including cash for work and cash transfers benefitting up to 8 400 people.

The expected immediate outcomes for this project include: (1) improved access to emergency shelter; (2) improved access to water hygiene and sanitation services; (3) increased access to essential household items; and (4) improved access to livelihoods interventions designed to promote greater self-sufficiency and reduce negative coping strategies. The expected ultimate outcome is lives saved suffering alleviated and human dignity maintained in countries experiencing humanitarian crises or acute food insecurity.