Benin/Togo:
Socio-economic empowerment
Project: PREVNIRE (Prevention of Violent Extremism in Northern Benin through Economic Resilience Initiatives)
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CARE Belgium contribution: CARE Belgium supports the project through communication, advocacy and fundraising activities, in collaboration with other members of the CARE network.
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Location: Departments of Borgou and Donga, BENIN
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Context:​​​
Northern Benin has seen a worrying rise in violent extremism since 2019, exacerbated by the deteriorating security situation in Eastern Burkina Faso and porous borders. These regional dynamics, combined with local religious, socio-economic and political factors, are fuelling a sense of abandonment and exclusion. Poverty affects 53.3% of the population in Borgou and 43.3% in Donga, well above the national average of 38.5% in 2019. The vulnerability of young people and women, exacerbated by the Covid-19 crisis and global inflation, reinforces the risk of radicalization.
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Historically, this region has suffered from a lack of structuring investment and a weak state presence, leaving a vacuum exploited by extremist groups. Borgou and Donga, located in a strategic zone, are also among the departments with the lowest levels of human security. These conditions have heightened social and economic tensions, posing major challenges to regional stability.
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The urgency of a Prevention of Violent Extremism through Economic Resilience Initiatives project lies in the need to address the root causes of this instability. By supporting initiatives that economically empower young people and women, this project aims to reduce poverty, strengthen the social fabric and prevent radicalization. The current context, marked by intensifying security threats, makes this intervention crucial to curbing the spread of extremism and building lasting resilience in northern Benin.
General objective
Strengthening the professional and economic capacities of vulnerable young people and women exposed to the risks of radicalisation and violent extremism.
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Period of execution: 11/11/2022-10/11/2024
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Beneficiaries:
-600 vulnerable young people
(300 young women and 300 young men; aged 18 to 35; unemployed or working in precarious jobs),
- 1200 vulnerable women in village savings and loans: VSLA groups (FaFa Wa) and 60 FaFa Wa
-10 local CSOs and 50 of their agents and members
-4 town halls
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Main donor: European Union
Specific objectives
The PREVNIRE project aims to strengthen the professional and economic capacities of vulnerable young people and women exposed to the risks of radicalization and violent extremism.
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The first specific objective is to strengthen the organizational, institutional and operational capacities of Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) involved in the socio-economic empowerment of young people and women. To this end, partner CSOs have received support in drawing up and implementing capacity-building plans. In addition, dialogues between local authorities and CSOs were facilitated, fostering better coordination of interventions and stronger local leadership.
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The second specific objective is to support innovative approaches developed by CSOs for the socio-professional integration of young women and men at risk. A socio-professional analysis identified the specific needs of the beneficiaries and the socio-economic initiatives to be supported. As a result, the young people were given access to short-term vocational training and supported in their economic integration. Basic professional skills, such as soft skills, were also developed to enhance their employability.
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The third specific objective is to support economic empowerment initiatives for women and girls at risk from violent extremism. The project has supported the establishment and development of Village Savings and Loans Associations (VSLAs) based on the FaFa Wa approach. These groups enabled participants to develop their economic activities, thanks to coaching and mentoring. At the same time, activities were carried out to boost the self-esteem and confidence of vulnerable women, thereby strengthening their resilience.
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Using participatory and inclusive approaches, the PREVNIRE project provides a sustainable response to the challenges posed by radicalization and violent extremism in northern Benin. By supporting CSO initiatives and strengthening the skills of target populations, it contributes to building sustainable economic and social resilience.