Nigeria Joint Response 3 SUMMARY
This project uses a multi-sectoral intervention to address the direct needs in Food Security and Nutrition, targeting the population in 8 communities of Askira/Uba LGA in Borno State, Nigeria. Plan supports the local government by implementing a cash transfer program combined with a community based emergency nutrition program. 

The project will further train, mentor and supervise health workers and volunteers on Infant and Young Children Feeding practices, maternal nutrition, child-friendly practices and child rights,  socio-emotional stimulation and parental care. Educate parents and caretakers on IYCF, maternal nutrition, socio-emotional stimulation and child protection, through peer-to-peer education (care groups), practical sessions (cooking demonstrations) and awareness raising sessions. In the Northeast, the conflict remains to have a huge impact on agriculture because of the large-scale population displacement and the restrictions imposed on agricultural activities, and is likely to cause ever-worsening food security outcomes. Consequently, about 4.7 million people in the Northeast are in the critical food insecurity situations (IPC 3 – 5). Over 1 million people (1.099.000 to be exact) or 19% of the population in Borno state, are in emergency food insecurity situation (IPC phase 4) and 38,000 in Famine (IPC phase 5) levels of food insecurity. The scale of the population movement is worsening the food security: returning refugees and IDPs are adding to the strain on both camps and host communities and limited access to livelihood opportunities reduces purchasing power and access to food. The displaced population of Borno have been unable to pursue agriculture, as most host communities have restricted agricultural activities to land close to IDP settlements, for fear of being killed or kidnapped by Boko Haram. The overall objective of this acute food security response is to save lives and prevent further suffering for the most vulnerable people suffering from emergency food insecurity (IPC 4). Based on the needs/gap analysis, the capacity and expertise to respond on the ground, Plan will distribute unconditional cash transfers to over 80.000 beneficiaries. In addition to this Plan will provide emergency assistance to under-five year old children and Pregnant and Lactating Women (PLWs), suffering from acute malnutrition through comprehensive nutrition (CMAM & IYCF) and psychosocial support intervention. The primary final beneficiaries are children under the age of five and pregnant and lactating mothers. The secondary beneficiaries are wider community. Meet emergency food needs of vulnerable people by distribution of cash transfers to over 80.000 beneficiaries.
Improve equitable access to quality life-saving services for management of acute malnutrition for children (boys and girls 6 - 59 months) and pregnant and lactating women (PLW). This will be done by screening children under the age of 5 on malnutrition and admitting those diagnosed with MAM or SAM. 

Promote access to services preventing under-nutrition, by counselling PLWs and caregivers and sensitize the wider community on IYCF in emergencies. In addition to this staff will be trained on community-based nutrition programs. In order to ensure sustainability of this project, a very strong emphasis will be given on education and awareness-raising of the community to improve child care and feeding practices and reduce the prevalence of malnutrition in the future.  The project will be linked to the existing  primary health care activities and collaborate with partners who are working in the areas of implementation in order to bring permanent change in the community. 
All the activities will be handed over to the government offices, mainly to the state and LGA health offices, for its continuity at the end of the project.