Locally led emergency preparedness and response in the North-East

This publication reports on the implementation of Save the Children's localisation policies in Nigeria. This involved shifting power including resources, capacity and ownership to local actors, for more timely, appropriate and effective outcomes for children most impacted by inequality and discrimination. As part of its drive for localisation, SCI Nigeria committed flexible funding for the implementation of civil society organisation-led emergency preparedness and response to the humanitarian crisis in hard-to-reach areas in Borno, Adamawa and Yobe states of Nigeria. 

The lessons learned include:

• Connecting local actors to other organisations that can provide technical support as well as material contributions can improve the delivery of emergency response.
• Quality funding, equal partnerships, strengthened organisational capacity can empower local partners to lead and deliver emergency responses.
• SCI’s internal processes need to be reviewed to facilitate easier partnerships with local actors.
• It is important to facilitate knowledge exchange and capacity building for local partners’ staff, volunteers and community promoters to ensure the transfer of technical competencies in designing and implementing quality and effective MEAL systems and tools for emergencies.