Research report · January 2026
Urban Livelihood Interventions in Garrison Towns.
Evidence on the effectiveness, sustainability and community perceptions of livelihood support in Northeast Nigeria.
Overview
Livelihood support is strengthening stability in fragile urban settings.
The assessment examines how cash-based support, vocational training, small-business grants and market-based livelihood programmes are experienced by internally displaced people, returnees and host communities in Northeast Nigeria's garrison towns.
Participants reported improved income, greater ability to meet basic needs and reduced reliance on emergency assistance, while also identifying the conditions needed for benefits to last.
Key findings
Positive outcomes are clear, but sustainability remains conditional.
Basic needs improved
61% reported that their household could cover basic needs much better after participating.
Greater self-reliance
90% reported being able to cope without emergency assistance more often.
Activities continued
70% started an income-generating activity that was still operating at the time of assessment.
Strong acceptance
98% were satisfied or very satisfied with programme design and delivery.
Methodology
Quantitative evidence combined with community perspectives.
FACT mapped 14 projects implemented by 11 partners and completed 1,895 structured beneficiary interviews. The study also included nine key informant interviews and five focus group discussions with six participants per group.
The results reflect participants' reported experiences and perceptions. They are indicative rather than an econometric impact evaluation, and responses may be influenced by recall because interventions were completed four to 22 months before data collection.
Programming priorities
Extend support beyond initial inputs.
- Provide ongoing training and mentoring after programme completion.
- Improve access to credit, start-up capital and market linkages.
- Pair skills training with appropriate starter kits and short-term basic-needs support.
- Use transparent and inclusive targeting to protect community trust.