Roles of government and non-governmental humanitarian agencies in meeting the needs of internally displaced women in Katsina State, Nigeria (2020-2025)
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.65221/0123Keywords:
Governmental agencies, non-governmental agencies, IDPs, humanitarian assistanceAbstract
Insecurity in North-Western Nigeria has resulted in the displacement of thousands of individuals, particularly in Katsina and Zamfara States. The displaced persons are predominantly women and children who are in urgent need of protection and assistance from governmental authorities, non-governmental humanitarian organisations, and philanthropic entities. This need arises from the loss of their livelihoods, limited access to education and healthcare, and insufficient food and shelter. Accordingly, this paper seeks to examine the roles of government and non-governmental humanitarian agencies in addressing the challenges faced by internally displaced women in Katsina State, employing a qualitative research methodology and the Humanitarian Response Theory as its theoretical framework. The findings indicate that, despite efforts by both government and non-governmental humanitarian agencies, the plight of internally displaced women remains dire due to inadequate collaboration and partnerships, issues of corruption, the closure of all formal internally displaced persons camps within the state, and the disorganised settlement of displaced individuals. The paper concludes that the conditions of internally displaced persons can be significantly improved through robust collaboration between governmental and non-governmental entities, the establishment of formal IDP camps, and a concerted effort to combat corruption in the distribution of food and non-food supplies intended for IDPs.
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