81310617-Piloting of innovative social protection mechanisms in Nigeria

The Multi-Donor Action "Supporting Sustainable and Innovative Social Protection Programmes (SUSI)" is jointly co-financed by the European Union and the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) and implemented by GIZ as part of the BMZ project "Social and Economic Participation of Returnees, Internally Displaced Persons and the Host Population in North-East Nigeria (SEPIN)". SUSI is implemented in Adamawa and Borno States in Nigeria. These regions have been profoundly affected by conflict and displacement, necessitating robust interventions to address pressing social and economic challenges. At its core, SUSI is deeply aligned with broader international initiatives aimed at supporting displaced persons and their host communities. By fostering sustainable social protection programmes, the project aims to empower vulnerable populations to rebuild their lives. The overarching objective of SUSI is to enhance Nigeria's social protection landscape. This entails not only addressing immediate needs such as poverty and hunger but also fostering long-term resilience and social inclusion. The project's specific focus on leveraging the existing social safety net system reflects a pragmatic approach that seeks to build upon established structures while incorporating innovative strategies to improve effectiveness and reach. To achieve its objectives, SUSI employs a comprehensive strategy that encompasses various dimensions of social and economic development. Capacity building emerges as a cornerstone, with efforts aimed at enhancing the capabilities of both governmental and non-governmental actors. By empowering these stakeholders to engage in participatory community development planning and advocacy, SUSI seeks to ensure that the voices and needs of vulnerable groups, including women, girls, and youth, are adequately represented in decision-making processes (Output 1 - Social Participation). Moreover, SUSI recognizes the critical role of economic integration in promoting sustainable livelihoods and reducing vulnerability. Through targeted interventions, the project endeavors to strengthen the economic prospects of individuals and communities. This includes equipping beneficiaries with essential technical and business skills and facilitating access to supportive networks and services (Output 2 - Economic Participation). Gender equality represents a cross-cutting theme within SUSI's activities, underscoring the importance of promoting women's empowerment and participation. By raising awareness of gender issues and facilitating women's involvement in dialogue mechanisms, the project seeks to address systemic barriers and promote more inclusive and equitable outcomes (Output 3 - Gender).