Norwegian Church Aid in Sahel
- Presence established: Mali since 1984, and in Burkina Faso since 2020.
NCA Sahel operates in Mali and Burkina Faso, and our work focuses on three topics: Climate Resilient Water, Sanitation and Hygiene; Gender-Based Violence; and Peacebuilding.
While the southern part of Mali is considered relatively safe, northern Mali is characterised by insecurity and is vulnerable to attacks by terrorist groups. In 2012, the northern regions of Gao, Timbuktu and Kidal were claimed by armed opposition groups and jihadist militias. Human rights violations have increased since, and more than 300,000 Malians have been displaced. Negative impacts of climate change have further contributed to the displacement of an already vulnerable population. Limited involvement of youth in decision-making processes and a paucity of economic opportunities means young people are particularly vulnerable to manipulation by extremist groups. Amid these conflicts, civil society organisations (CSOs) are weakened and fail to fulfil their role. The state is often accused of poor governance, corruption and failing to provide basic social services in conflict-affected areas. Thirty-two per cent of drinking water needs are not covered, and only thirty per cent of people in rural Mali have access to basic and secure sanitation services. Gender-based violence (GBV) is a serious issue in in the country, and women survivors lack access to life-saving services.
We has been present in Mali since 1984, and in Burkina Faso since 2020. Both countries struggle with a number of development challenges, which have been exacerbated by the current security-crisis in the Central-Sahel. With over three decades of experience on the ground, NCA is well-known among authorities in northern Mali and considered a reliable and neutral actor. Over the past few years, NCA has contributed to the successful implementation of safe water supply for Malians and has mobilized youth to raise awareness about and prevent GBV and promote family planning and reproductive health rights. For NCA, partnering with civil society actors is its primary approach to fulfilling its mandate to strengthen civil society. Since its establishment in Mali, NCA has built strong networks and partnerships with a wide range of civil society organizations and religious actors. Together with these partners, NCA is well-placed to drive change and mobilize local stakeholders.
NCA in Sahel contributes to increased access to WASH and GBV services for the most vulnerable, as well as an empowered civil society in the fields of governance and conflict resolution. Together with civil society organisations and other partners, NCA implements long-term development and humanitarian programmes in:
Humanitarian Response and long-term Development
Our work – both in terms of humanitarian response and long-term development – contributes to the successful implementation of safe water supplies and mobilizes communities to combat GBV and promote family planning and reproductive health rights. Our Peace Programme strengthens local peace-structures and works to include women and youth in the peace-processes. All our work is done through partnering with local, legitimate civil society actors, to ensure a localized approach.
We have implemented our long-term programmes and respond to humanitarian emergencies in the following regions in:
Mali: Kidal, Menaka, Gao, Mopti, and surroundings of Bamako.
Burkina Faso: East región and Boucle de Mouhoun.
Country Director
Tel: (+243) 841 366 900
Email: vibeke.skauerud@nca.no
