Evangelische Bank eG
IBAN: DE85 5206 0410 0000 0001 24
BIC: GENODEF1EK1
Nigeria: Food Security
Nigeria: Food and Livelihood Security
The supply situation in the northeast of Nigeria is a precarious one. In addition to the poor economic situation and environmental issues, the terrorist threat posed by the jihadist militia Boko Haram has aggravated the situation for the population.
Nigeria is rich in natural resources. However, these are often not used sustainably and are distributed unequally. The rural population in the northeast of the country, whose development has been neglected for decades by the state, is particularly disadvantaged. Climate change and years of overexploitation of natural resources are hitting the people there particularly hard. Long dry seasons, soil erosion and decreasing soil fertility represent huge problems for those affected.
Exodus and displacement
On top of all this comes the continuing violence perpetrated by the jihadist militia Boko Haram. The ongoing conflict has led to one of the biggest humanitarian crises in the world. Roughly two million people are on the run. Hundreds of thousands of families have left their fields fallow, massively aggravating the supply situation in the region.
Where the situation allows, the Basel Mission German Branch attempts to counter these developments, working alongside Mission 21 and the local partner church – the Church of the Brethren in Nigeria (EYN).
Organic agriculture training
The sustainable use of natural resources plays a central role in improving economic living conditions for the rural population in northeast Nigeria. Organic agriculture is the alternative to industrial methods of cultivation and secures work in rural areas. Training courses teach peasant farmers the basic principles of organic farming, such as how to preserve soil fertility and the cycle between soil, plant, animal and human.
Nigeria
203.4 million inhabitants, of which 53.5% live on less than 1.90 US dollars per day
Setting up nurseries
Less logging and more reforestation reduces soil erosion in affected areas. This, in turn, has a positive effect on the fertility of the soil and thus on agricultural cultivation. Nurseries are used for training purposes and as a resource, in order to implement planting measures that counter the deterioration of environmental conditions.
Sufficient income for female and young refugees
Another focus is on training women and young people who, as internally displaced persons, are forced to build a new life at their place of refuge. They receive access to vocational training, such as courses in tailoring, metal and upholstery work, computer training, and business basics. Participants can then receive start-up assistance in the form of seed capital and work material. Mutual support is strengthened by forming practical self-help groups. Here, participants exchange information and experiences, and learn from and with each other.
Project goals
The Basel Mission German Branch works with Mission 21 and the local partner church, the Church of the Brethren in Nigeria (EYN), to support the rural population in the northeast of the country through sustainable agriculture and vocational measures. Based on the fundamental principles of organic farming, smallholder agriculture is strengthened and work in rural areas is secured. Vocational training gives displaced women and youngsters the ability to secure their livelihood and escape poverty and the feeling of hopelessness.
Project work
Peasant farmers are trained in agroecological agriculture and offered support as they put what they have learned into practice. In addition, future agroecology and conservation teachers are trained. Nurseries are set up for additional training purposes. The plants cultivated here are used for reforestation measures, which prevent soil erosion. Training courses in trade and business skills give displaced women and young people the basics required to earn a sufficient income. Participants are given start-up assistance in the form of seed capital and work material.
Project partner
The Church of the Brethren in Nigeria (EYN) is a young and rapidly-growing church, which is based in the northeast of the African country. Founded in 1923, it now has more than two million members. Since 1959, its work has been supported by the Basel Mission. It focusses on rural development, as well as health and education work. In terms of its spiritual profile, the EYN is a peace church, which is committed to peace and reconciliation across religions.
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