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On the importance of socio-economic opportunities and inclusion for the protection of displaced and host communities in the Central Sahel
In the context of the protracted crises in Burkina Faso, Mali and western Niger, protection and socioeconomic inclusion have become inseparable. According to the declarations of 29,553 respondents surveyed by Project 21 between November 2023 and October 2024, affected communities’ protection needs are notably related to the lack of socioeconomic opportunities. The data suggests that strategic and financial partners should consider this link to better achieve protection outcomes.
In the 102 provinces covered by Project 21, 1 in 2 respondents say that economic and material poverty contributes to increased gender-based violence (GBV) risks. At the same time, 1 in 3 respondents say that the lack of financial resources prevents their children from regularly attending school. Outside the school system, these children are not protected from the risks of recruitment and association with armed forces and groups, forced marriage and/or economic exploitation.
In the medium term, the lack of socio-economic opportunities also significantly prevents the implementation of sustainable solutions to forced displacement and the recovery of affected communities. More than 1 in 2 respondents attribute their inability to access land to high costs. Meanwhile, 1 in 2 respondents cite economic support as the assistance priority for their families.
These statements prove that it is possible to prevent, respond to and halt the dynamics of the Sahelian protection crises by providing socio-economic opportunities and fostering socio-economic inclusion. Strengthening partnerships between protection (humanitarian) and economic recovery (development) players should allow us, the international community, to make it possible