In view of the prevailing situation of internal displacement in Zamfara State caused mainly by insecurity, DGI Consult was engaged by the International Rescue Committee (IRC) to support the Zamfara State government to domesticate the National Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) policy, as a framework to guide multi-sectoral response to the situation of IDPs in the state.

The National IDP policy was domesticated using an inclusive approach to adapt it to the context and peculiarity of Zamfara State. The policy domestication process commenced with a 3-day workshop that brought together key humanitarian stakeholders at the state and national level, including government, donors, implementing partners, traditional leaders and Civil Society Organizations (CSOs).

At the workshop, the National Policy on IDP was adapted to addresses the root causes of internal displacement and the challenges faced by IDPs in Zamfara state. The root causes of internal displacements in Zamfara State were identified during the workshop and recommended interventions were co-created by stakeholders. The workshop also served as a platform for fostering coordination and collaboration among stakeholders to promote a multi-sectoral approach for the effective implementation of the policy.

Furthermore, a detailed situation analysis was conducted through the review of existing relevant national and state policy documents on humanitarian response and development agenda. The situation analysis focused on national and domestic context of internal displacement, examined the root causes of internal displacement in Zamfara state, the impact of displacement on the affected population as well as their protection and assistance need. The information gathered from all relevant sources guided the domestication the IDP policy that aligns with the cultural, religious, and socio-economic context of Zamfara State.

The domesticated IDP policy will serve as a framework to guide advocacy to the government, and other relevant humanitarian actors towards providing a lasting solution to internal displacement and address the needs of displaced persons in Zamfara State through multi-sectoral response.