The Council For Affirmative Action (COFAA) West Africa

24th day of March, 2024

Introduction:

In response to the ongoing economic hardship and humanitarian crisis in Nigeria, particularly in conflict-ridden areas like Borno State, the Council For Affirmative Action (COFAA) undertook a targeted initiative to distribute essential food items to marginalized non-binary children. This report outlines the rationale, process, and impact of COFAA’s intervention.

Rationale:

Nigeria has been grappling with economic challenges exacerbated by various factors, including internal conflicts, which have disproportionately affected vulnerable populations.
Non-binary individuals often face increased marginalization and discrimination, exacerbating their vulnerability in times of crisis.

However, Borno State, in particular, has been severely affected by conflict, leading to food insecurity and displacement, further exacerbating the economic hardship faced by its residents.

Objectives:

To alleviate immediate food insecurity among non-binary children in conflict areas.
To raise awareness about the specific challenges faced by non-binary individuals in humanitarian crises.
To advocate for more inclusive and equitable humanitarian interventions.

Implementation:

Needs Assessment: COFAA conducted a thorough needs assessment to identify the most vulnerable groups, focusing on non-binary children in conflict-affected areas.

Procurement: Essential food items, including grains, pulses, cooking oil, and nutritious supplements, were procured from local suppliers to support the regional economy.

Distribution: COFAA collaborated with local community leaders and humanitarian organizations to ensure the fair and efficient distribution of food items to 50 non-binary children and their families in Borno State.

Sensitization: Alongside the distribution, COFAA organized sensitization sessions to raise awareness about the specific challenges faced by non-binary individuals and promote inclusion within humanitarian responses.

Impact:

Immediate Relief: The provision of food aid alleviated immediate food insecurity for 50 non-binary children and their families, ensuring they had access to nutritious meals during a period of economic hardship.

Empowerment: By specifically targeting non-binary individuals, COFAA’s intervention empowered marginalized communities and underscored the importance of inclusive humanitarian action.

Advocacy: The initiative served as a catalyst for advocacy efforts to prioritize the needs of marginalized groups, including non-binary individuals, within broader humanitarian responses.

Challenges:

Logistical Constraints: Operating in conflict-affected areas posed logistical challenges, including access restrictions and security concerns, which required careful planning and coordination.

Stigma and Discrimination: Addressing the unique needs of non-binary individuals necessitated navigating societal stigma and discrimination, requiring sensitivity and awareness-raising efforts.
Sustainability: While the immediate relief provided by COFAA’s intervention was impactful, ensuring sustained support for vulnerable populations in conflict areas remains a long-term challenge.

Conclusion:
COFAA’s distribution of food aid to 50 non-binary children in conflict areas of Borno State represents a significant step towards addressing the intersectional challenges of economic hardship, conflict, and marginalization. By prioritizing inclusivity and empowerment, this initiative exemplifies the importance of targeted interventions in humanitarian crises and underscores the need for ongoing advocacy to promote equity and justice for all.

Recommendations:

Continued Support: Sustained support for vulnerable populations, including non-binary individuals, is essential to address the long-term impacts of economic hardship and conflict.
Policy Advocacy: Advocacy efforts should continue to prioritize the needs of marginalized groups within humanitarian policies and programming.

Community Engagement: Continued engagement with local communities and stakeholders is crucial to ensuring the relevance and effectiveness of humanitarian interventions in conflict-affected areas.

Acknowledgments:
We extend our gratitude to all partners, community leaders, and volunteers who contributed to the success of this initiative and remain committed to advancing the principles of equity, inclusion, and justice in all our endeavors.

Mbami Iliya Sabka,
Executive Director, Council For Affirmative Action (COFAA)