Making Displacement Safer Project

Donar: GNDR

IID implemented the “Making Displacement Safer” project with the support of GNDR in Mosul, Ninewa Governorate, during the period from 1 March 2021 to 31 December 2021. The project was carried out as part of efforts aimed at improving the understanding of the challenges faced by internally displaced persons in urban areas and developing practical solutions to reduce their vulnerability and strengthen their resilience to disasters and risks.

Ninewa Governorate has experienced significant waves of displacement in recent years as a result of armed conflict and unstable security conditions. These circumstances forced many families to relocate to urban areas within the city of Mosul and its surrounding neighborhoods in search of safety and stability. Many of these displaced families settled in marginalized urban areas where access to essential services and adequate infrastructure remains limited. As a result, they are often more exposed to environmental, social, and economic risks.

The project was designed to deepen the understanding of the challenges faced by displaced populations in urban environments. It focused on examining disaster-related risks affecting displaced communities and identifying ways to reduce their vulnerability while strengthening their ability to adapt to changing conditions. In addition, the project aimed to enhance the role of different stakeholders in addressing urban displacement issues and integrating these concerns into national and international policies related to disaster risk reduction.

Within this framework, the project implemented a series of research and community-based activities aimed at collecting reliable data on the living conditions of displaced people in Mosul. Between 30 March 2021 and 31 May 2021, field surveys were conducted to assess the risks and challenges faced by displaced populations living in urban neighborhoods.

These surveys targeted several areas in eastern Mosul that host a high number of displaced families, including Al-Arbajiya, Al-Sheikhkiya, Al-Wahda, and Sumer. The surveys were designed to identify the key risks affecting displaced households and to explore possible solutions that could help reduce their vulnerability.

A total of 627 participants took part in these surveys. Among them were 607 internally displaced persons, 11 representatives from local civil society organizations, and 9 representatives from local government institutions. The surveys provided valuable insights into the socio-economic conditions of displaced communities and highlighted several key challenges they face, including limited access to employment opportunities, weak infrastructure, and environmental risks affecting urban living conditions.

To strengthen community participation in addressing these issues, the project organized six focus group discussions between 1 June 2021 and 30 June 2021. These discussions brought together representatives of displaced communities, host community members, civil society organizations, and local government institutions.

The discussions aimed to analyze the findings of the field surveys and to provide a platform for participants to exchange ideas and perspectives on potential solutions. These sessions helped foster dialogue between different stakeholders and contributed to building a shared understanding of the challenges associated with urban displacement.

In addition to community discussions, the project organized an academic seminar at the University of Mosul on 2 November 2021, with the participation of 29 university professors from the College of Arts, Department of Sociology. During this seminar, the research findings and data collected through both quantitative and qualitative tools were presented and discussed.

The seminar served as an important academic platform for examining the social and economic dimensions of urban displacement in Mosul. It also strengthened cooperation between academic institutions and civil society organizations in conducting research and developing evidence-based solutions for displacement-related challenges.

Alongside the research activities, the project also focused on supporting livelihood opportunities and improving the economic resilience of displaced individuals. Between 1 December 2021 and the end of the project, 18 beneficiaries were selected and trained on strawberry cultivation using greenhouse techniques.

This activity was implemented in coordination with the Directorate of Agriculture, which provided technical support by assigning a specialized trainer to deliver the training sessions. Participants received practical instruction on modern greenhouse farming techniques, including soil preparation, irrigation management, and crop care.

After completing the training, beneficiaries were provided with greenhouses and all the necessary agricultural materials required to start their own small-scale farming activities. This support helped participants establish sustainable income-generating opportunities and improve their economic conditions.

The livelihood component targeted 18 beneficiaries, including 6 women and 12 men, and represented an important step toward linking humanitarian assistance with economic empowerment initiatives. By supporting small-scale agricultural projects, the activity contributed to strengthening the self-reliance of displaced households and reducing their dependency on humanitarian aid.

Overall, the “Making Displacement Safer” project contributed significantly to improving the understanding of the challenges faced by displaced populations living in urban areas in Mosul. The research findings generated through the project provided a valuable knowledge base that can inform future programs aimed at reducing disaster risks and strengthening community resilience.

The project also highlighted the importance of engaging local communities, academic institutions, and government stakeholders in designing and implementing solutions related to urban displacement. Such collaborative approaches are essential to ensuring more sustainable and effective responses to displacement challenges.

Ultimately, the project represents an important step toward supporting vulnerable communities affected by displacement and strengthening their ability to cope with risks and challenges while working toward a more stable and resilient future.