The Plight of Internally Displaced People in Kaduna State, Nigeria.

It’s hard to imagine the level of hardship and suffering that internally displaced people (IDPs) are going through in various communities across Kaduna State in Nigeria. With ongoing insecurity and displacement caused by kidnapping and village raids, the situation has caused a ripple effect on the local food supply. Farmers are unable to access their farms, leading to food shortages and increased food prices, making it difficult for IDPs to access nutritious food.

This situation is particularly challenging in a world that is already grappling with the COVID-19 pandemic. It highlights the urgent need to address this issue and work towards a world where everyone has access to nutritious food.

The IDPs in Kaduna State have been forced to abandon their farms and sources of livelihood, leading to a significant decrease in local food production. As a result, there is a shortage of basic food crops such as rice, maize, and beans, and the prices of these crops have increased significantly.

To make matters worse, ginger, a major crop farmed in the region, has had low production output this year due to unfavorable weather conditions. This has put additional pressure on the already limited food supply, making it even more challenging for IDPs to access nutritious food.

The situation in Kaduna State is a reminder of the need to prioritize food security, particularly in areas affected by displacement and insecurity. Access to nutritious food is a basic human right and a crucial factor in maintaining good health and well-being. We cannot turn a blind eye to the suffering of those displaced and struggling to access basic necessities.

To address this issue, NGOs and other organizations can work with local communities to provide food aid, including food packages and cash transfers. This can help provide immediate relief to those struggling to access nutritious food. However, it is important to note that food aid alone is not a sustainable solution to the problem of food insecurity.

We must invest in long-term solutions that address the root causes of the problem. This can include supporting local farmers and investing in agricultural infrastructure, which can help to increase local food production and create sustainable livelihoods for those who have been displaced.

In addition to addressing food insecurity, it is also important to prioritize the safety and security of those who have been displaced. Providing protection and shelter to IDPs and addressing the root causes of insecurity in the region is crucial. We must work towards creating a world where everyone feels safe and secure in their homes and communities.

The situation in Kaduna State is a call to action, and we must prioritize food security and safety for those who have been displaced. By working together, we can create a world where everyone has access to nutritious food and feels safe and secure in their homes and communities. It requires a collective effort from NGOs, governments, and local communities to invest in long-term solutions that address the root causes of the problem and provide immediate relief to those who are struggling to access nutritious food.

It is important we all work together to end displacement and end hunger. The situation in Kaduna State is a reminder that access to nutritious food and safety is a basic human right that we cannot ignore. By investing in long-term solutions and providing immediate relief to those who are struggling, we can create a world where everyone has access to nutritious food and feels safe and secure in their homes and communities.

The Zamani Foundation organized a course training on the Comprehensive Protection of Civilian held at the Martin Luther Agwai International Leadership and Peace Keeping Center Jaji. The training was aimed at enhancing the knowledge and understanding of participants on the United Nations integrated approach to conflict and crises.

The course training started on the 6th of March and ended on the 17th of March 2023. The event was attended by 17 participants from different organizations such as the military, DSS, fire service, police, civil defense, defense academy, judiciary, and NGO. The course activities were marked for each day, including lectures, class exercises, and group presentations.

More than 20 lectures were delivered to the participants. The lectures covered various topics such as the causes and nature of conflicts in Africa, the basic principles of peace, human rights, mandated tasks, mission-specific legal framework, and peace-building activities, among others. The lectures were delivered by experienced professionals who have served in various capacities in the UN, military, and other organizations.

The course training also included exercises that were given to the participants. The class was divided into three syndicates, and each syndicate had the task of solving a conflict in the country of Carana. This exercise was aimed at enhancing their ability to apply the knowledge gained during the lectures.

On the second day, the participants engaged in an ice breaker where they were asked to introduce their seat mate. This was followed by lectures on working as one in the mission, working with mission partners, human rights, mandated task, mission-specific legal framework, and peace-building activities. The lectures were delivered by experienced professionals who shared practical examples and scenarios that the participants could relate to.

On the third day, news highlights and lecture recaps were done by the participants. This was followed by a lecture on women peace and security, which focused on the different impacts of conflicts on women and girls, men and boys, and how women can be key partners in peacekeeping and peace-building activities.

The Zamani Foundation Comprehensive Protection of Civilian Course Training was a huge success. The course training was aimed at enhancing the knowledge and understanding of participants on the United Nations integrated approach to conflict and crises. The lectures were delivered by experienced professionals who shared practical examples and scenarios that the participants could relate to. The exercises given to the participants were aimed at enhancing their ability to apply the knowledge gained during the lectures. The course training was a great opportunity for participants to learn from experienced professionals and share knowledge and experiences with their colleagues from different organizations.