Improving livelihood for conflict-affected communities through cash-for-work activities

Somalia has been prone to various man-made and climatic shocks, thus, leaving households vulnerable to practicing negative coping mechanisms.

Since September 2019, ACTED has responded to the crisis in Somalia in several sectors. This includes WASH, Shelter, CCCM and Information management support to improve living condition for IDPs and rural populations. ACTED targeted vulnerable people across Kismayo, Baidoa and Badhan areas, with a focus on women as the main benefactors.

Somalia has faced serious humanitarian crisis since the fall of the Central government.  The displaced population coping mechanisms have been eroded over successive years of drought and conflict leaving them vulnerable to shocks.

In Baidoa, people require immediate assistance. ACTED has helped population there via direct support to the local economy. Teams on the field have organized cash-for-work activities, giving communities sources of income as well as giving them jobs. Also, ACTED distributed unconditional cash to more than 800 families of IDPs, which they can now use to buy food, but also materials to improve their living conditions.

Due to climatic shocks, Khadija’s livestock was not viable anymore. She is a mother of six, and her husband does not support their family at all.

 “I lived on debt and had no support from immediate relatives. Due to poor income, we had to skip some of the meals” said Khadija.

Khadija now feels more stable in terms of livelihood. With cheerful mood, Khadija requested ACTED to fund women empowerment project that promoted livelihood and improve skills in business entrepreneurship. Finally, Khadija appreciated ACTED’s efforts in supporting crisis affected communities in Somalia.

ACTED opted to give vulnerable households cash because of the dynamic and ever changing circumstances. Through this assistance, the beneficiaries have been able to buy food for their families and have at least one meal on the table in a day. Previously, many used to sleep hungry because of lack of money to buy food or even water. Many people lost their source of livelihoods in Baidoa because of the recurrent droughts, floods and armed clashed. The volatility in the region meant that the best assistance that could be provided was cash because this allowed the households to buy items based on the needs of their individual homes.

The aim of this intervention was for ACTED to help reduce the immediate suffering of local communities, and guarantee food security for them. Parents can now afford to put a meal on the table and feed their families. Thanks to ACTED’s cash assistance, people could repay previous debts and alleviate their standing within the camps. They are now able to live with dignity and respect.

These projects were implemented thanks to funding from USAID-OFDA.