Areas of Work

  1. Education and Skills Development
  2. Sexual and Reproductive Health & Right
  3. Livelihood and Economic Empowerment
  4. Social Protection:

In Northeast Nigeria, women and girls, particularly those in disadvantaged regions or displaced by conflict, often face immense economic vulnerability. Without adequate safety nets, they are disproportionately impacted by shocks like economic downturns, natural disasters, or the loss of household income. This vulnerability can force girls out of school, push women into precarious livelihoods, and increase the risk of harmful coping mechanisms, perpetuating cycles of poverty across generations.

 ACF is committed to establishing robust social protection systems that offer a lifeline to the most vulnerable. We advocate for and implement inclusive social protection programs, including cash transfers, livelihood support, and access to basic social services, specifically designed to prioritize women- and girl-headed households, internally displaced persons (IDPs), and other marginalized groups. By strengthening these safety nets, we ensure that women and girls have the foundational support needed to pursue education, protect their well-being, and build more resilient futures, effectively breaking the chains of intergenerational poverty.

  1. Food Security and Nutrition:

Food insecurity and malnutrition remain critical issues in Northeast Nigeria, with women and children bearing the brunt of the crisis. Limited access to productive resources for women farmers, coupled with the adverse effects of climate change on agricultural yields, restricts household food availability. This often leads to chronic malnutrition, particularly among girls, impacting their physical and cognitive development, school attendance, and overall future potential.

ACF implements integrated programs to enhance food security and nutrition at the household and community levels. We empower women farmers with training in sustainable agricultural practices, provide access to essential farming inputs, and support the establishment of community and backyard gardens to diversify diets. Our initiatives also include vital nutrition education for mothers and caregivers, alongside advocacy for and increased budgetary allocation and implementation of gender-responsive nutrition programs.

 

  1. Environmental Conservation and Climate Change

Climate change disproportionately affects women and girls in Northeast Nigeria, who are often the primary gatherers of water and fuel. Increasing droughts, floods, and resource scarcity intensify their daily burdens, limiting their time for education and economic activities, and exacerbating existing vulnerabilities. Despite their critical roles in managing natural resources, women and girls often have limited voice or influence in community-level climate adaptation and mitigation strategies.

ACF recognizes women and girls as powerful agents of change in environmental stewardship. We work to enhance their resilience to climate change impacts by actively involving them in environmental conservation and climate adaptation decision-making processes. Our programs promote sustainable natural resource management, introduce climate-resilient livelihood strategies, and raise awareness about environmental protection. By empowering women and girls to lead and participate in these initiatives, we ensure that their unique needs and traditional knowledge are integrated into effective solutions for a sustainable and thriving environment.

  1. Governance and Civic Engagement

In many communities, women, girls, and marginalized groups in Northeast Nigeria face significant barriers to participating in decision-making processes. A lack of awareness regarding their rights, coupled with weak accountability mechanisms and exclusion from local governance structures, limits their ability to influence policies and programs that directly affect their lives. This perpetuates a cycle where their voices are unheard, and their needs remain unmet.

ACF is dedicated to strengthening governance and civic engagement by building the capacity of women, girls, and youth to participate meaningfully in local and state-level governance. We conduct advocacy initiatives for more inclusive governance structures, facilitate structured dialogues between communities and political decision-makers, and raise awareness about human rights and democratic processes. By equipping women and girls with the knowledge and confidence to articulate their priorities and hold leaders accountable, we ensure that their perspectives are integrated into electoral priorities and post-election policy implementation, fostering a truly equitable and responsive society.