Fighting hunger and building resilience: new EU-funded project in Nigeria

Together with Terre des Hommes (TdH) and Smiling Hearts Initiative International (SHI), ZOA has launched a new multi-sector humanitarian programme in Borno and Sokoto States, Nigeria. This initiative, funded by the European Union, is a commitment to restoring hope and resilience in communities enduring hardship.

8 September 2025

The initiative will provide life-saving support to crisis-affected and hard-to-reach populations across five Local Government Areas (LGAs). Over the next two years, the project will focus on food security, education, and disaster preparedness, aiming to reach more than 118,000 people.

Combating hunger during the lean season

In Bama and Kala Balge (Borno State), 750 vulnerable households will receive cash-for-food assistance during the lean season. This support helps families cover their basic needs, while reducing the risk of hunger and negative coping strategies.

Access to education for displaced children

In Bama and Ngala (Borno State), the project will ensure that 4,920 out-of-school children gain access to safe and inclusive learning spaces. Support will include:

construction and rehabilitation of temporary classrooms,
provision of teaching and learning kits,
teacher training and psychosocial care,
strengthening School Based Management Committees.

Through these efforts, the project will improve learning opportunities and provide protection for children affected by conflict and displacement.

Strengthening disaster preparedness

In all five targeted LGAs across Borno and Sokoto States, more than 118,000 people will benefit from improved early warning systems and stronger local capacity to respond to floods, conflict, and other hazards. This includes displaced families, farming communities, and local authorities living in fragile and conflict-affected areas.

Anthony Caleesious, ZOA Nigeria Country Director

“This initiative is a commitment to restoring hope and resilience in communities enduring hardship. With TdH’s child protection and education expertise, and SHI’s grassroots reach, we are fostering sustainable recovery.”

EU Funding

ZOA is able to implement this project thanks to funding from the European Union. Aligned with Nigeria’s Humanitarian Response Plan, the project also strengthens the humanitarian-development-peace nexus, laying the foundation for community-led resilience.