Responsive Economic Assistance to Conflict-affected Households (REACH) FY16 Q1 Quarterly Report

As of 2015, 14.8 million people out of a population of 15.2 million in the four states of Borno, Yobe, Adamawa, and Gombe are affected by the crisis. The conflict has disproportionately affected the four most affected states, with an estimated 7 million people in need of humanitarian assistance, including 3.9 million who require food assistance. The ongoing insecurity has led to poor rains, limited access to agricultural land, and restricted market access, resulting in rising food insecurity and malnutrition. To address the situation, the Responsive Economic Assistance to Conflict-affected Households (REACH) project continues to support the food needs of displaced and vulnerable resident households through monthly electronic voucher distributions. In the quarter under review, the number of internally displaced persons (IDPs) remained above 2.1 million, with 84.5% displaced due to the insurgency. An estimated 3.9 million people currently require food assistance, as measured by an IPC level of 3 or higher. Women and children, constituting 54% and 56% of the overall population, respectively, remain the most vulnerable to food insecurity and malnutrition. Households assessed listed food as their main priority need, with 74% of people relying largely on markets to meet their food needs, where food prices are relatively high. Market access is restricted due to Boko Haram's use of markets as soft targets. Ten percent of assessed households had Household Dietary Diversity Scores (HDDS) at critical food security level, while 18% were at crisis level. Over 70% of households assessed had resorted to severe coping strategies, such as borrowing to purchase food. Mercy Corps continues to deliver assistance as funded by the original REACH and subsequent extension. The organization has reviewed its security protocols to ensure the safety of its staff and assets, and activities have continued despite some security concerns. Mercy Corps has also expanded its physical presence to Adamawa State and conducted needs assessment missions to South Borno State, identifying priority needs for over 46,000 IDPs and host community members. Humanitarian coordination remains a key aspect of Mercy Corps' operations, with ongoing participation in sector working groups, the Humanitarian Country Team (HCT), and the INGO forum. The organization has also facilitated and hosted visits from US officials and participated in the HNO/HRP process, ensuring that emphasis on needs reported by the affected population are prioritized and included in round table discussions. Staff development is also a priority, with humanitarian team members attending trainings and workshops on protection, case management, and other relevant topics. The organization continues to build the capacity of human resources and operationalize working protocols in newly accessed areas of operation, with a focus on providing immediate food assistance, support for emergency relief items, protection support, and WASH interventions. The humanitarian crisis in northeast Nigeria remains a pressing concern, with ongoing insecurity, food insecurity, and malnutrition affecting millions of people. Mercy Corps continues to play a critical role in responding to the crisis, providing assistance to displaced and vulnerable households, and advocating for the needs of affected populations.