In 2013, UNHCR Niger called on the academic institution IFORD (Institute for Training and Demographic Research), based in Yaounde, Cameroon, to carry out an in-depth analysis of the socio-economic profile of the Malian refugee population present in Niger. Two years later, in order to be able to closely observe the evolution of the situation, the exercise was repeated. The results are now available, and are broadly encouraging. Ignace Edgar Mbom, researcher at IFORD, responds to our questions.

Reply: It’s true that the comparative analysis of the living conditions of the Malian refugees in 2013 and today show real transformations. For example: - In terms of education, from their country of origin up to 2015, the interest of households to enroll their children in school has significantly increased, from 50.3% in place of origin to 59.8% in 2013 and 75.9% in 2015. Even if the goal of “Education For All” is not yet reached, real progress is noted in the behavior of parents. For nomads is not always easy to educate their children. But today we can observe that, parents, even when they go out to pasture sites, leave their children without any gender distinction in the camps/ZARs to attend classes. This is a real breakthrough in universal primary education. - In terms of the ownership of property, a restocking can be observed today with nearly 6 out of 10 households that have at least one breeding animal. In comparison, two years ago less than three in 10 households were in possession of such an animal. - Similarly, in comparison with 2013, there is an improvement of more than 7 points in the overall living conditions of Malian refugees in camps/ZARs: 29% of households were considered poor in 2013 against 22% today (Reversely, 71% were ranked as non-poor in 2013 against 78% in 2015). Hence, you may call the socio-economic evolution situation of Malian refugees in Niger a success story.

Reply: IFORD is an intergovernmental institute whose expertise and recognition in Africa and at the global level was rewarded in 2011 with the “United Nations of Excellence Award” for its participation and contribution to development through technical support, research and training in Africa and the world. Our collaboration with other agencies of the UN System including UNFPA, UNICEF, UNESCO, UNWOMEN, IOM, UNHCR and beyond (World Bank …) reflects the trust and recognition with regard to the seriousness, relevance, quality and the scope of work undertaken by IFORD. In order to preserve and sustain this reputation, requires the Institute, wherever the need arises, to provide accurate and reliable information which reflects realities on the ground, in order to offer partners reliable data.

Reply: We can say that the situation is generally better in ZARs (Intikane and Tazalite) than in camps or in urban environments. And this despite the fact that the general food ration has been reduced to 50% for the majority of the households in the ZARs.

Reply: The case of Intikane, where as previously noted, food assistance has already been significantly reduced over the last year, demonstrates that despite this reduction the living conditions have so far not at all deteriorated. The refugees have been able so far to adapt to this new situation to the point of not considering an imminent return to their places of origin.

Reply: I have introduced IFORD further up in this conversation. We are hence well placed to accompany UNHCR, the Niger government, and the NGO partners in their decision making in planning, monitoring and evaluation.

Where are the men? In Mali? Probably. In the age bracket of 20-39 years, the ratio of men to women is 5.7 men for every 10 women. An analysis of the adaptation strategies of the households shared between the two sides of the border remains necessary.
A greater use of the formal health care system: In 2015 less than 13.4% of households do not have recourse to a health structure when they are sick compared to 40.9% in 2013. The fact that health services are free of charge and close to the camps/ZAR are important factors in this context. This also reflects a behavioural change which will probably be sustainable. Today, waiting times that are too long are the principal reason for people not to seek care in case of illness. This element requires special attention in the strategy for the integration of Malian refugees into the public health care system. To accompany the health structures with an effort to smoothen the flow of patients is unavoidable.
High satisfaction rates despite being below SPHERE standards: An estimated 92.3% of households have access to a sufficient quantity of drinking water for human consumption. During the month of July, in the three refugee camps and the two Refugee Hosting Areas (ZARs), an average of 19 liters of water per day per person was available. A portion of the water available in the camps and the Refugee Hosting Areas is used by the refugees for watering their animals. In Intekan refugees can buy water for their animals. In humanitarian assistance, the standard levels established are 20 liters per day per person.

The challenge of shelters: The state of shelters needs constant improvement. However, in 2013 52.5% of the heads of households reported that their shelters were in a poor state, compared to just 35.5% today. Despite this positive development, the challenge of maintaining good standards for shelters remains, in particular at the camps in Tillabery which are particularly vulnerable to weather conditions. Some households are even beginning to construct their shelters from semi-permanent materials. In addition to the cost, the desire to replace temporary shelters (mainly tents) with houses requires a broader reflection by the Nigerien authorities and its partners.
Food purchased with vouchers can meet the food needs for a longer time than in-kind food distributed: The distribution of food rations is not the preference of the refugees. Food assistance through a voucher system – like in Mangaize refugee camp - allows more choice for refugees. In addition, food purchased through vouchers meets the needs of refugee households for a longer time, even though the value of a voucher (in theory) is equal to that of a food ration. The use of vouchers highlights the economic rationality of households in meeting their food needs. 42.5% of households in Mangaize assure that the food that they acquire with the vouchers allows them to meet their food needs for more than three weeks, compared to just 27.5% for the other camps in Tillabery.