Nigeria Northeast Connection Final Performance Report

The program aimed to support peace and reconciliation among key actors in the region. Creative Associates International, Inc. was the implementing partner, with funding from the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). The program's operational environment was characterized by ongoing conflict between herders and farmers, as well as between local communities and the Dangote Sugar Refinery (DSR) in Adamawa state. The program's approach focused on building local peace committees, facilitating community-based peace platforms, and providing technical assistance to trauma healing programs. Key outcomes and results of the program include the establishment of the Traditional Peace Arbitration Committee (TPAC) as a key mediator in managing conflicts between herders and farmers in Larmude. The program also successfully intervened to end the prevailing grievances and conflict between DSR and local communities in Adamawa state, resulting in a commitment of $10 million from the Dangote Group to host communities. Throughout the program's life, Creative facilitated 1,117 events, training, and activities aimed at supporting peace and reconciliation among key actors in the BAY states. USAID financial assistance reached 55 civil society organizations (CSOs), which helped local stakeholders conduct strategic advocacy across program communities. The program also built and strengthened 242 groups using USG funding dedicated to resolving conflict and its drivers in Northeast Nigeria. The program provided technical assistance to 88 trauma healing programs targeting vulnerable social groups such as women, internally displaced persons (IDPs), and ex-insurgents. Creative also trained community members to continue to provide such support after the program ended. In addition, the program supported 88 trauma healing activities in BAY states, trained 180 community members and social workers in Psychosocial First Aid (PFA) and therapeutic counseling, and established 12 listening centers across the three states. To amplify women's contributions to peacebuilding initiatives and processes, the program supported, trained, and provided engagement opportunities for 3,044 local women to participate in substantive roles in the peacebuilding processes across the BAY states. The program also established the Peace Ambassadors Platform in the Wuro Barka community, which engages youth in productive livelihood activities protecting young people against violent extremist groups. The program's impact was significant, with 28% of woman beneficiaries taking initiatives and playing substantive roles in their communities' peacebuilding processes. The program also established 18 community youth-based groups registered with the Adamawa Ministry of Youth and Sports Development and linked with Government-Based Organizations such as NIRSAL Micro Finance Bank and Industrial Training Fund (ITF).