Emergency aid programme for families displaced by Boko Haram in the region of Bornu in the northeast of the country

Since 2010, the northeast of Nigeria, as well as the bordering regions of Chad to the west and Cameroon to the north, have been hit hard by the Boko Haram terrorist attacks – with devastating consequences for the local populations. These attacks have now led to the expulsion of more than two million people.

These expulsions have left people unable to farm food and a serious hunger crisis threatened to engulf the country in 2017. According to information from the UN, seven million people were dependent on humanitarian aid in 2017, however only 40 percent of requirements were being met. Analysing the situation in northeast Nigeria and the bordering countries, Reuters news agency described it as the “the most neglected humanitarian crisis in the world.”

The Nigerian army has largely succeeded in pushing back the terrorists and those first expelled are now returning. However, these people have lost almost everything and need help to get back on their feet again. Caritas international is helping the people in these regions help themselves and providing them with new perspectives.

Approximately 2,800 people that make up 625 particularly vulnerable families, such as female-led households, are being provided with support in agricultural production, along with training in group self-organisation, the storage of food and prevention of crop loss, marketing and financial management. The families received millet, sorghum and peanut seeds. Thanks to an innovative storage approach, it will be possible to extend the shelf life of the seeds and some crops by six months. After the harvest, each household also receives a one-off payment of 50 USD in order to ensure the crops harvested can be used to cover the family’s requirements. Despite the strained security situation, Caritas completed a study on population trauma and conflict behaviour and the potential for peace and reconciliation. All beneficiaries stressed that this was just as important to them as the agricultural training and provides them with renewed energy and courage to face the challenges.

By supporting the project with €100,000, the Redel Foundation is helping the people in the region of Bornu to feed themselves.

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