Two international NGOs, Christian Aid and UK Aid, have launched a project to collect data on the poor and vulnerable in selected local government areas of Anambra.
Christian Aid’s Senior Programme Coordinator, Mrs Uzoma Uzor, revealed during the unveiling of the projects in Awka, Anambra.
Uzor said that the project, code-named Evidence and Collaboration for Inclusive Development (ECID), would run till Sept, 2022 in two Nigerian states – Anambra and Kaduna.
She said that the data would facilitate evidence-based policy and decision-making by policymakers to address the issues of marginalised groups.
She disclosed that the ECID would contribute towards reducing poverty and improving the wellbeing of over 200,000 adolescents, poor rural women and People with disabilities in Anambra.
Uzor said the programme improved the face of policy-making for sustainable and inclusive development in Anambra.
“ECID was conceived out of the dire need to address the growing issues of marginalisation and under-development in the country.
“It will ensure that the needs and perspectives of all groups, regardless of socio-economic or socio-cultural standing are heard and addressed.
“The programme will therefore work with all relevant stakeholders to ensure that adequate and accurate data is collected and effectively used by policymakers.
“It will ensure that citizens can play an active role in policy making processes.
“Already, we have had stakeholder engagements and established a baseline survey that consisted of focus group discussions, perception surveys, Key Informant Interviews to determine the gaps in access to services across the priority areas.
“The findings of the survey were validated both at community and state levels, and are available to all interested stakeholders,” she said.
Uzor revealed they were working with other partners including Civil Rights Concern, Hope Givers Initiative, and Justice Development and Peace Caritas (JDPC) Onitsha.
According to her, the selected Civil Society Organisations and sectors which includes academia, policy makers, marginalised groups and private sector, would help achieve better outcome.
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