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Community Based Livelihood Support Strengthens Sustainable Transitions

By UNDP NIGERIA

October 9^th, 2022

Adamawa State like Borno State has been affected both directly and indirectly by the insurgency that struck Northeast Nigeria since 2009. In recent years and more profoundly in the last year and a half, many more communities in Adamawa previously affected by the insurgency driven conflict are witnessing progressive return of peace and stability to their communities. However, effects of the conflict such as internal displacement and strained community relations remain because of the longstanding nature of the crisis.

In the middle of the changing contexts some of the previously Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) have made choices to settle in host communities and start life afresh. At the same time, those leaving the conflict after being cleared by relevant authorities are also settling in many communities in and around the Northeast of Nigeria. In all these cases, livelihoods support is an essential part of sustainable community reintegration pathways, with peace-building and prevention at the heart of it.

With peace-building and prevention being a foundation for sustainable community transition from the effects of the longstanding conflict, UNDP in partnership with the State Government of Adamawa and the American University of Nigeria are supporting communities in Malkohi with sustainable livelihood-based solutions. This collaboration is seeking to catalyze opportunities and create access to income. Additionally, capacities, material, and financial assistance, informed by an understanding of the market and community dynamics will enable the Malkohi community to make important progress.

Through this support, UNDP is creating a pathway for impacted populations in Northeast Nigeria to rebuild sustainable livelihood. Such measures, paired with engagements on peace-building and conflict prevention, are important ingredients to the effective transition from conflict.

Meet some of the beneficiaries who through this support are now making profits by selling their products:

Community Based Livelihood Support Strengthens Sustainable Transitions

| Amina Abubakar

Now married with 6 kids, proceeds from calabash making is what Amina’s family survives from even before Amina was born. Her family is known for making and designing local calabashes, however at some point she couldn’t afford to continue the business due to increase in the cost of materials. With the support from UNDP, Amina is back in business. She designs beautiful hand made calabashes. Depending on the size and design, the price of each piece ranges from 3000 to 9000 Naira and above. The calabashes can be used as a piece of decoration for homes or plates in some households.

“I am happy to restart my business again, this is a family legacy, and I was sad when I discontinued the business due to hardship. Now I’m back and better. With the help of UNDP, I was advised on how to make extra profits by teaching people. Now people pay me to teach them the craft and from the proceeds, I have more than enough to fend for myself and family. I also support people that are yet to recover with some proceeds from my business”, Amina said.

Speaking on the calabash murals, Amina narrated that each design represents the Fulani tribe and culture. she wishes to grow the business bigger while also helping people that are yet to recover from the conflict.

Hadiza was just 15 years old when she fled from her town, Gwoza in Borno State with her family during the insurgents’ attack in their village. She sought refuge and safety in Malkohi community and now resides in the IDP camp.

| Hadiza Usman

“Life in the camp has its struggle, you don’t have enough food or even water and no money to buy the necessary materials for survival. We all have to depend on the support from organizations which is barely enough for everyone”, she said.

Hadiza learned how to make caps indigenous to her culture and well know in Nigeria. With the support from UNDP, she perfected her skills and monetized it.

“With the support, I have started selling my caps. One cap ranges from 14,000 to 20,000 Naira depending on the design. With this business, I support my family and also save up so that when I eventually return home, it won’t be difficult for us to settle in”, Amina said.

Hauwa arrived in Malkohi community 7 years ago, after her town Gwoza was attacked by insurgents. Since then, she has been living in the IDP camp with her family.

“I lost everything to the crisis, I fled my town with nothing but just the clothes I was putting on that fateful day. I had to learn a skill to keep myself and family going. I learnt how to crochet and with the support from UNDP, I have started a business, I sell my products to people, and they always love it”, she narrated.

| Hauwa Musa

Hauwa crotchets tablecloths and dresses, she organizes classes for people who wants to learn the craft as another source of income. She is still pained about her properties that she lost to the crisis, but with this support, her hope is being restored gradually that everything will be fine and return to normal soon.

The Support for Reconciliation and Reintegration project is jointly implemented by IOM, UNICEF and UNDP and seeks to support the State Governments of Borno, Adamawa and Yobe to enhance community preparedness for reintegration, reducing rejection and stigmatization of former associates, preparing the ground for community-based healing and reconciliation. UNDP implemented components empowers communities, towards achieving sustainable peace by strengthening more just, cohesive, and inclusive communities while also addressing some of the conflict’s underlying drivers.