Benue state has continued to be under siege for a long time, recent killings in the state have added to the burden of taking care of IDPs. About 18,000 people have been displaced since the beginning of April 2023 following recent attacks on some communities in the state (ICIR 2023). In their condition of forceful relocation, the IDPs have lost control of their socio-economic life and have become slaves to hunger and poverty in the land.
In efforts to address the challenges faced by the displaced population in Benue State Nigeria, Community links and Human Empowerment Initiative (CLHEI) with support from Victim Support Fund (VSF) is currently implementing an Economic Empowerment Project (EEP) in Kwande and Oju LGAs of Benue State. The project aims to support the crisis-affected population in selected Local Government Areas of Konshisha, Okpokwu, Kwande, and Oju in Benue State. The project targets 300 rice farmers and 300 maize farmers across the four LGAs, providing them with farm inputs and Hand Tillers for improved cultivation practices. Additionally, the project includes a Women’s Economic Support component, offering sewing machines to selected (68) women across the LGAs to enhance Agricultural Productivity and Empower women in the target communities with a view to enhancing their livelihoods and economic sustainability.
The specific objectives of the project are;
- To support 300 rice farmers and 300 maize farmers across the four LGAs with farm inputs and hand tillers.
- To enhance collaboration, knowledge sharing, agricultural productivity and income generation through cooperative farming practices.
- To improve the economic sustainability of women women through income generating activities in the selected LGAs.
- To promote gender equality and women’s participation in economic activities.
