| Problem:
Nigeria is undergoing a difficult economic and political transition
after 30 years of military rule. Economic mismanagement, macroeconomic
instability, political repression, and institutionalized corruption
have undermined social and economic development and fuelled dramatic
increases in poverty. The poverty rate of 54 percent, coupled with
the large population of unemployed and underemployed young people
increases the risk of conflict and violence in Nigerian society. The
failure of government to establish basic security and stability, as
well as the increased acceptance of violence as a tool for gaining
political and economic power among political elites and local communities,
is a major source of popular concern and a liability for democratic
legitimacy. The failure to conduct credible election in April 2007
has set Nigeria on another spiral of violence and political instability
that will prevent urgently needed political and constitutional reforms
and stall on-going economic reforms.
Approach: CALM works to reduce conflict
in targeted states by increasing the capacity of government institutions,
civil society, political parties, and other stakeholders to prevent,
manage, and mitigate the impacts of conflict. The project will encourage
the use of early warning and early response systems through all-stakeholder
regional councils, support sustained inter-group and inter-faith
dialogue and promote positive engagement of youth. The activity
will sensitize industry and government agencies on how their actions
drive or mitigate conflict. In the Delta, mediation and negotiation
capacity will be developed to manage disputes between communities
and international companies. In the North, Muslim-Christian tolerance
will be promoted.
Results: Anticipated results include:
- Strengthened capacity of civil society organizations, government
agencies, and businesses to prevent, manage and mitigate conflict
in target states
- Increased opportunities for social participation and employment
for youth as alternatives to violence in target states
- Framework for stakeholder participation in conflict management
and mitigation
- Reduced inter-ethnic and inter religious violence in conflict
prone areas
- Strengthened conflict early warning/response systems in target
states
- Conflict sensitivity integrated into other USAID/Nigeria and
other partners' programs
Last Updated
on:
March 05, 2009
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