Over the last seven years, the Foundation for Partnership Initiatives in the Niger Delta (PIND) has driven transformative change in the region through a variety of programs aimed at boosting economic development, reducing conflict, and improving livelihoods. The recently published PIND Impact Evaluation Report (2016–2023) highlights the success stories and challenges of these interventions, demonstrating the significant progress made toward creating a more peaceful and prosperous Niger Delta.
Key Highlights from the Impact Evaluation Report
1. Job Creation and Economic Empowerment PIND’s Market Systems Development (MSD) program has been a cornerstone of its economic initiatives, leading to the creation of over 86,713 jobs in sectors such as agriculture, aquaculture, and poultry farming. Remarkably, 46% of these jobs have been filled by women, demonstrating the program’s focus on gender inclusivity. Additionally, beneficiaries experienced a 55% increase in income, particularly in agriculture, where improved farming techniques and market access significantly boosted productivity.
2. Access to Energy: A Catalyst for Growth The Access to Energy (A2E) program, which focuses on providing off-grid energy solutions to rural communities, has reached over 30,858 people in the Niger Delta. These energy solutions have catalyzed economic activities, with businesses operating longer hours and increasing their capacity to serve customers. The A2E initiative has been instrumental in lifting many rural communities out of energy poverty and providing them with opportunities for sustainable growth.
3. Peacebuilding and Conflict Mitigation The evaluation report highlights PIND’s impressive strides in peacebuilding, especially through its Partners for Peace (P4P) network and the Integrated Peace and Development Unit (IPDU). By empowering local actors with conflict resolution skills and establishing early warning systems, PIND has helped mitigate over 1,469 conflicts in the Niger Delta, contributing to a 7% reduction in conflict growth in the region.
Challenges and Opportunities for Improvement
While the report celebrates many achievements, it also identifies key challenges. One of the most significant is the lack of post-training financial support for beneficiaries, particularly those who have completed the Youth Employment Pathway (YEP) program. 26% of YEP graduates reported difficulties in finding formal job opportunities after completing their training.
There is also a need for stronger job linkages and financial services for graduates of PIND’s programs, as well as enhanced coordination with local energy suppliers to improve the sustainability of energy solutions provided through the A2E program.
Looking Ahead: Recommendations for Future Programming
As PIND looks toward the future, the report offers several recommendations to maximize the impact of its interventions:
- Post-Training Support: Extend mentorship, financial support, and networking opportunities for program graduates, particularly in the agriculture and energy sectors.
- Youth Employment: Strengthen job placement services and entrepreneurship training to ensure that young graduates have access to sustainable employment opportunities.
- Gender-Inclusive Programming: Continue to customize training programs to better support women and enhance their economic participation.
- Peace-Economic Linkages: Deepen the integration of peacebuilding and economic development efforts to ensure that communities enjoy both prosperity and social cohesion.
Call to Action: Join Us in Shaping a Brighter Future for the Niger Delta
The PIND Impact Evaluation Report (2016–2023) provides a clear roadmap for how we can continue to build on the success of our programs while addressing the challenges that remain. With your continued support, we can further scale our interventions and ensure that even more people in the Niger Delta experience the benefits of economic development, peacebuilding, and energy access.
We encourage you to read the full report and join us in shaping the future of the Niger Delta. Together, we can create lasting change.
Download the full Impact Evaluation Report here
