Innovative shelters solutions for internally displaced persons in the Lake Chad Basin
François-Xavier Ada Affana, IOM Chad, fadaaffana@iom.int
Related Sustainable Development Goals and Global Compact for Migration Objectives
Key objective
The objective of the project is to contribute to the progressive resolution of the displacement situation in the Lac province by offering displaced persons semi-durable shelters which promote their integration in their new communities. At the same time, the practice contributes to local economic development because the semi-durable shelters are built by local entrepreneurs and all construction materials are sourced locally, thus reducing the environmental impact of the practice.
Main activities
In Chad's Lac province where more than 390 000 people have been displaced by insecurity and climate change, IOM builds hazard-resistant semi-durable shelters to provide internally displaced persons long-term protection and opportunities to rebuild their lives in dignity. Through partnerships with local construction companies, community members and women groups, tailored assistance is provided to internally displaced persons while contributing directly to local economic development and social cohesion between displaced persons and their host communities.
Key successes or innovative factors, good practices and lessons learned (if available)
The construction of semi-durable shelters has significantly increased the protection and dignity of displaced persons. Many of the beneficiaries testify of the added value of the shelters for their protection, but also for the wellbeing of their families, as they are protected from extreme weather. Working with an open-minded local provider has also allowed IOM to experiment with more eco-friendly construction materials and construction techniques which both reduce the overall costs of the interventions, but also empower the private sector to engage in humanitarian activities. As the shelter practice was developed jointly with the community, a clear SOP could be defined to share this best practice in similar contexts.
Beneficiaries
Internally displaced persons (IDPs)
