To address conflict and stability in central and northern Nigeria, USAID seeks to promote the legitimacy and capacity of governance structures to defend religious freedom. USAID programs strengthen the capacity of civil society groups, government officials and religious leaders to address violence in select states to mitigate and manage conflicts in their communities. Using a multi-sectoral, community-based approach, projects draw on the expertise of religious and traditional leaders, women and youth groups, government officials, and civil society to develop an early warning system, protocols, and reference materials to improve responses to outbreaks and threats of violence.