CARE International’s history in Nigeria
CARE began working in Nigeria in 2017 to help people facing an urgent humanitarian crisis. Needs were driven by conflict, displacement, and food insecurity, particularly in the Northeast. Early efforts focused on emergency aid, with a strong focus on women’s and girls’ needs, who are often most affected during crises.
Over time, CARE and our partners expanded our work beyond immediate emergency response to also help communities recover and rebuild their lives.
CARE and partners’ work in Nigeria today
CARE Nigeria works with local and national partners to support communities affected by conflict and poverty. Together, we focus on helping families meet their basic needs, rebuild their livelihoods, and strengthen locally-led systems and long-term resilience. Our work focuses on:
Food and water
CARE supports farmers and households to improve food production and nutrition. We work with communities to strengthen local food systems, improve farming practices, and help families access nutritious food.
Making the economy work
We support women and families to build stable incomes through savings groups, skills training, and small business support. These activities help households earn income and strengthen their financial security.
Crisis response
We support communities and local systems to better prepare for and respond to crises.
Health
CARE works with partners to improve access to basic health and nutrition services, including care for mothers and children.
Gender equality
CARE works to prevent and respond to violence against women and girls and to support women’s leadership in their communities. Through initiatives such as Women Lead in Emergencies (WLiE), which promotes women’s leadership and meaningful participation in humanitarian decision-making, we support women and women-led organizations to take part in decisions that shape humanitarian response and community recovery.
We work closely with local organizations, civil society groups, community-based organizations, and government institutions to ensure programs reflect local priorities and strengthen community leadership.
Focus on women and girls
Women and girls are at the center of CARE Nigeria’s work. CARE works with local and national women’s rights organizations and women-led organizations to advance gender equality and sustainable change.
CARE supports women and girls to:
- Strengthen economic security through savings groups, livelihoods, and income-generating opportunities
- Live free from violence by helping prevent abuse and supporting survivors
- Build confidence and leadership so they can take part in decisions that affect their families and communities
CARE also uses social norms approaches, including Social Analysis and Action (SAA), to encourage more equal relationships and opportunities for women and girls.
For recent updates on CARE Nigeria’s work, see here.
