Four countries (Nigeria, Niger, Cameroon and Chad) in the Lake Chad region are affected by the on-going, Boko Haram conflict. As the needs continue to increase, this slow-onset “forgotten” crisis is urgently requiring attention to save lives and maintain human dignity. Approximately 21 million people live in the conflict-affected areas, of which 2.6 million are displaced and in dire need of support.
The conflict has had devastating effects on the region; visible not only through the widespread destruction of homes, livelihoods, infrastructure and large-scale displacements, but also in the conflict-induced trauma and fear in the affected communities. The already grim situation is further compounded by climate change, as the Lake Chad – the peoples’ principle source of income and livelihoods – is receding at an alarming rate.
In some of the affected areas, humanitarian access is often hampered by insecurity. Access may also be limited due to the rainy season (June – August). Moreover, social and political institutions in the region are fragile or underdeveloped and corruption is widespread.
