CO-NIGER The current security context in the Lake Chad Basin linked to the Boko Haram conflict continues to drive an escalating
humanitariancrisis in Diffa region in Niger (FewsNet and Cadre Harmonisé currently have the region of Diffa in IPC
phase 3 (crisis) including with humanitarian assistance, until at least January 2017). As of September 2016, the region
of Diffa hosts 302,387 IDPs, refugees and returnees alone.1 According to authorities from the Diffa Region, even
though more than 80 per cent of the population of Bosso, who became displaced after the 3 June attacks, has
returned home; commercial activities remain largely paralyzed due to continued insecurity affecting the Lake Chad
Basin area and the ongoing #Emergency State# in the region. People are in desperate need for criticalitems and basic
food assistance. As the crisis worsens, Diffa is facing an influx of refugees fleeing either the conflict in the surrounding
countries or the increasing food insecurity. The IDP population is showing little sign of returning despite the efforts of
the government and the Niger Military#s need to create a population free area between the N1 and the Nigerian
border has further increased the number of IDPs. In early 2016 the IDP/refugee/returnee populationwas estimated
at 93,343 refugees, 72,549 returnees and 58,000 IDPs. Following the Boko Haram attacks and occupation of Bosso in
June 2016, the number of IDPs, returnees and refugees was then increased to 280,000 people. Much of the displaced
populationis living in makeshift and unofficial spontaneous camps, often nextto N1 route and living with or in most
cases around the host communities (Diffa#s population is 310,000 people - 2012 census) resulting in high levels of
vulnerability for both IDP andhost communities and leading to further scarcity of already rare resources.
Food Security needs are acute, affecting both the IDP/refugee populations as well as the host communities. Current
estimates by OCHA are that only 65% of people in need of foodassistance in the Diffa region are currently receiving
support, with a total 454,000 peoplein need of food assistance2. This is also leading to a worsening malnutrition
crisis with Global acute malnutrition (GAM) rates exceeding the 15 per cent emergency threshold at 17.1% in the
Diffa region (OCHA 06/04/2016)3. Access to food due to lack of stocks, production, income, and employment
opportunities is a critical issue for IDPs and refugees as the vast majority depend on food assistance. Oxfam
assessments carried out in October and November 2016 reveal people engaging in disturbing irreversible coping
mechanisms in order to make money to purchase food in markets such as selling jewellery and productive assets,
marrying their girls at a young age, and borrowing money to buy food and critical items. Reports of women engaging
in emergency sex to access money are also widespread. The lack of livelihoods opportunities in the chronically poor
Diffa region is critical; host communities and pre-existingdisplaced populations already faced high levels of food
insecurity and lacked livelihoods. The burden of new arrivals is aggravating this situation (OCHA 07/06/2016). Access to food assistance is key for households to increase their dietary diversity, reduce irreversible negative coping
strategies (such as the sale of productive assets), and reduce prevalence of severe acute malnutrition.  Through this proposed project, Oxfam is looking at providing this essential food assistance to 500 vulnerable
households in settlements alongthe N1 route, in Diffa region.