This learning and effectiveness case study of the capacity strengthening approach used by CRS Nigeria, Caritas Nigeria and the Justice, Development and Peace Commission Maiduguri, was designed to investigate the level of effectiveness and responsiveness of the capacity strengthening modalities (institutional and operational), implemented to enhance the timely, effective, and responsive delivery of locally led emergency life-saving humanitarian cash transfer programming in northeast Nigeria.

The initiative was implemented over a three-year period between 2018 and 2020. The main objective of the capacity strengthening initiative appears to have been largely accomplished based on the evidence of outcomes and immediate impacts provided in the case study.

The case study demonstrates that strong institutions with capable staff can design, implement, evaluate, and sustain effective development interventions.  This values-based capacity strengthening approach sets CRS and its partners apart in their commitment to making people and organizations active participants in their progress rather than passive beneficiaries. These values include solidarity, subsidiarity and mutuality and instill a culture of equity and respect, in which CRS and its partners have a shared vision and work together on program design, implementation, evaluation, and reporting, ensuring that successes are owned by the community or organization.