United Nations Activates Anticipatory Action Framework in Niger Amid Drought and Climate Change

Strategic Insights -

In a move to mitigate the impact of drought and climate change, the United Nations, in collaboration with the Government of Niger, has activated an anticipatory action framework to support vulnerable communities in Niger. Under this framework, the United Nations and its partners will provide humanitarian assistance to at-risk communities, with a focus on those affected by the rainfall deficit recorded between June and July 2022. The anticipatory action framework is a proactive approach to prevent suffering, as highlighted by Emergency Relief Coordinator Martin Griffiths, who approved $9.5 million (6.2 billion CFA francs) from the Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF) to support the efforts in Niger.

Key Takeaways:

  • The United Nations and the Government of Niger have activated an anticipatory action framework to support vulnerable communities in Niger amid drought and climate change.
  • The framework aims to provide humanitarian assistance to at-risk communities, with a focus on those affected by the rainfall deficit recorded between June and July 2022.
  • $9.5 million (6.2 billion CFA francs) has been approved from the Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF) to support the efforts in Niger.
  • Emergency Relief Coordinator Martin Griffiths emphasized the need for a proactive approach to prevent suffering, stating that "our humanitarian system must be as proactive as possible."
  • As of 30 June 2022, the humanitarian community has provided life-saving assistance to 2.2 million people in Niger.
  • The activation of the anticipatory action framework is crucial in locations where rainfall measured between 1 June and 31 July 2022 is among the lowest in the last 30 years, particularly in the southwestern part of the country.
  • The humanitarian situation in Niger remains complex due to multiple crises affecting the country, with 3.7 million people in need of humanitarian assistance.
  • 4.4 million people are forecasted to be food insecure during the lean season, according to the March 2022 Harmonized Framework results.

Statistics:

  • $9.5 million (6.2 billion CFA francs) allocated from the Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF) to support humanitarian efforts in Niger.
  • 2.2 million people have received life-saving assistance as of 30 June 2022.
  • 3.7 million people are in need of humanitarian assistance in Niger.
  • 4.4 million people are forecasted to be food insecure during the lean season.

Sources:

  • United Nations
  • Government of Niger
  • Office for Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA)