Conflict Sensitivity in Development Programming: Evidence from USAID Projects in Northeast Nigeria

This study evaluates the integration and effectiveness of conflict sensitivity principles in USAID-funded development programs operating in Borno and Adamawa states, North East Nigeria. Conflict sensitivity, which requires that development interventions understand, avoid exacerbating, and ideally contribute to reducing conflict, is a globally established programming standard, but its operationalisation in the highly complex conflict environment of Northeast Nigeria requires specific empirical examination. Employing a programme evaluation research design, the study collected data through structured interviews with 35 programme officers, implementing partners, and beneficiary community representatives involved in USAID-funded livelihood, education, and governance programs from 2021 to 2024. Programme documents, conflict assessments, and monitoring reports were systematically reviewed. The theoretical framework draws from conflict-sensitive development theory and the do no harm framework. Findings indicate that conflict sensitivity is variably applied across the studied programmes, with livelihood programs demonstrating stronger conflict sensitivity integration than governance programs, which face greater politicisation pressures. Common conflict sensitivity weaknesses include inadequate community conflict mapping at programme inception, insufficient adaptation of programmes in response to conflict dynamic changes, and limited staff training in conflict analysis. Recommendations include making conflict sensitivity assessments mandatory at all USAID programme design stages in Northeast Nigeria, developing conflict-sensitive monitoring indicators for all active programmes, and investing in continuous conflict sensitivity capacity building for implementing partner staff. Keywords: conflict sensitivity, development programming, USAID, Northeast Nigeria, do no harm.