Deadline: 17-Apr-2026
The World Food Programme (WFP) seeks local partners to implement an integrated food systems and resilience project in Northern Nigeria. The initiative targets vulnerable households, particularly women and youth, to strengthen livelihoods, enhance food security, and promote self-reliance through sustainable agriculture, skills training, and conflict-sensitive interventions.
Overview of the Initiative
The World Food Programme (WFP) invites expressions of interest from local cooperating partners to support a project aimed at improving food security and building resilience in Northern Nigeria.
Key project goals:
- Strengthen livelihoods of vulnerable households
- Enhance food security and resilience
- Promote self-reliance and sustainable income sources
- Integrate humanitarian aid, development programming, and peacebuilding
This initiative builds on WFP’s presence in Nigeria since 2016, evolving from emergency food and nutrition support to long-term resilience strategies.
Focus Areas
The project emphasizes interventions across five main areas:
- Community Engagement – Mobilize local communities and foster coexistence.
- Self-Reliance – Support households in reducing dependency on humanitarian assistance.
- Agricultural Markets – Strengthen smallholder farmers and agricultural value chains.
- Skills Development – Provide technical and vocational education and training (TVET).
- Conflict-Sensitive Approaches – Promote inclusion, peacebuilding, and gender-transformative strategies.
Geographic and Demographic Focus
- Target states: Sokoto and Katsina
- Focus on vulnerable groups, particularly women and youth
- Priority interventions include:
- Food-for-assets programming to restore household and community assets
- Support for smallholder farmers
- Diversification of income sources
- Expansion of employment opportunities
Why This Matters
Northern Nigeria faces challenges such as climate shocks, weak market linkages, and limited access to agricultural inputs. This project aims to:
- Enhance productivity among smallholder farmers
- Build sustainable livelihoods and food systems
- Integrate social protection and development efforts with humanitarian assistance
- Foster peaceful, inclusive, and resilient communities
Who Can Apply
Eligible cooperating partners include:
- Local NGOs with experience in food security and livelihoods programs
- Organizations skilled in community mobilization and conflict-sensitive programming
- Partners capable of implementing gender-transformative approaches
- Entities with a track record in agricultural value chain support and vocational training
How the Partnership Works
- Expression of Interest (EOI) – Submit an EOI demonstrating organizational capacity and alignment with project goals.
- Selection Process – WFP evaluates EOIs based on technical capacity, operational presence, and experience.
- Implementation – Selected partners will implement interventions under WFP guidance, monitoring, and reporting frameworks.
Key Considerations for Applicants
- Highlight experience in Northern Nigeria or similar contexts
- Demonstrate capacity to work with vulnerable populations, including women and youth
- Show prior success in food systems, livelihood support, and conflict-sensitive programming
- Include clear plans for monitoring, evaluation, and sustainability
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Who can apply as a cooperating partner?
Local NGOs and organizations with expertise in food security, livelihoods, and community development are eligible.
2. Which states are targeted by the project?
The project focuses on Sokoto and Katsina states.
3. Are women and youth included in project activities?
Yes. The initiative prioritizes vulnerable households, with a focus on women and youth participation.
4. What types of interventions are supported?
Food-for-assets programming, agricultural support for smallholder farmers, vocational training, income diversification, and conflict-sensitive approaches.
5. Does the project address climate and market challenges?
Yes. Interventions target resilience against climate shocks, improve market linkages, and enhance access to agricultural inputs.
6. How is gender equality promoted?
The project uses gender-transformative strategies, ensuring women’s participation in decision-making and access to resources.
7. How does WFP support implementing partners?
WFP provides guidance, technical support, monitoring frameworks, and integration into broader resilience and development programs.
Conclusion
This WFP initiative offers local partners an opportunity to contribute to resilient food systems and sustainable livelihoods in Northern Nigeria. By combining humanitarian aid, development programming, and peacebuilding, the project promotes community self-reliance, inclusive growth, and long-term food security.
For more information, visit UN Partner Portal.