Adam Bassaí, 49 years old, is working to prevent fertile land from transforming into desert. He and other community members from Djetkoram village construct barriers along sand dunes using dried plants. In exchange for this work, they receive cash from Catholic Relief Services in Niger.

The cash provides an injection of resources that can be used to address a range of needs. Flexibility is critical so people can choose how to meet their most pressing needs.

With support from USAID-OFDA, this project is helping more than 6,000 households in Diffa, the region of Niger most affected by Boko Haram violence.

The cash distributions are also supported by Global Affairs Canada in partnership with Development and Peace (CARITAS Canada).

Background:

Since 2009, Boko Haram has been launching violent attacks in Nigeria, Niger, Chad and Cameroon, planting bombs in public places, abducting women and girls, forcefully conscripting young men and boys, and destroying villages and towns.

The effects of this violence have been widespread, and the need for urgent humanitarian assistance is escalating.

The majority of displaced people are seeking refuge in local communities, putting a strain on already vulnerable host families coping with the affects of climate change and poverty.

Photo by Michael Stulman/Catholic Relief Services