Centre for Research and Integrated Development

The Somalia Multisector Emergency Response Programme is a project funded by the USAID Bureau for Humanitarian Assistance (BHA) and implemented by CeRID in the districts of Luuq (Gedo Region) and Qansaxdheere (Bay Region). The project aims to restore the wellbeing of vulnerable communities affected by flooding, drought, and locusts. Implemented from June 2021 to June 2024, the program operates in these two districts.

Key activities include community engagement, beneficiary targeting and registration, cash transfer management, nutrition messaging, economic empowerment support, and cash-for-asset activities. These efforts span multiple sectors, including food assistance, agriculture, economic recovery, and water, sanitation, and hygiene.

The program's holistic approach seeks to increase food access, improve agricultural practices, diversify livelihoods, and address immediate and long-term WASH needs. By supporting vulnerable communities in Somalia, this multisector emergency response aims to save lives, alleviate suffering, and help people become more self-reliant.

The Centre for Research and Integrated Development (CeRID), in partnership with NCA-NORAD, is leading the Climate Smart Agricultural Value Chain and Economic Empowerment program. This innovative initiative tackles three critical challenges faced by Somali communities: youth unemployment, climate change, and food insecurity.

Empowering for a Sustainable Tomorrow

The program's core objective is to empower marginalized individuals and communities to achieve sustainable development. This means equipping them with the skills and resources they need to lift themselves out of poverty and build resilience against a changing climate.

Focus Areas:

- Youth Empowerment: The program tackles youth unemployment by providing vocational skills training at the Sayid Mohamed Technical Education Training College in Beled Hawa. This prepares young people for careers and financial independence. Additionally, the project facilitates connections with financial institutions and job opportunities in the private sector.

- Supporting Small-Scale Farmers: The program strengthens the capacity of small-scale farmers in Luuq through training and resources. Farmers receive essential skills and certified seeds to enhance their income and food production. The project also supports internally displaced persons (IDPs), returnees, and vulnerable host communities by providing farm inputs and leasing land.

- Building Community Resilience: The program promotes the development of community-managed disaster risk reduction plans. This includes establishing early warning systems for climate changes and integrating government involvement in providing agricultural extension services. The project advocates for collaboration with federal and state levels to create a supportive environment through policies, favorable tax structures, access to financial services, and essential support services.

Implementation and Impact

Launched in 2021, the program has been actively serving the community for three years. It combines agricultural and vocational training to create a comprehensive approach to economic empowerment. This two-pronged strategy equips youth and farmers with the skills and resources they need to thrive.

Through its multifaceted approach, the Climate Smart Agriculture and Economic Empowerment program is a beacon of hope for a brighter future in Somalia. By empowering individuals, strengthening communities, and promoting sustainable practices, the program is paving the way for a more resilient and prosperous region.

The Centre for Research and Integrated Development (CeRID), funded by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Norway (MFA) through Norwegian Church Aid (NCA), is implementing the Emergency WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene) Support project. This vital initiative provides life-saving services to disaster and conflict-affected communities in Somalia.

Saving Lives and Restoring Dignity

The project's core objective is to safeguard the well-being and dignity of crisis-stricken communities by ensuring access to essential WASH services. This includes:

- Improved Hygiene Practices: Providing hygiene supplies and promoting healthy habits to protect against preventable diseases.

- Safe Water Access: Guaranteeing equitable and sustainable access to clean water for drinking, cooking, and personal hygiene.

- Sanitation Facilities: Facilitating access to safe and appropriate sanitation services, crucial for public and personal health.

Reaching Those in Need

The project focuses on Luuq District in Somalia's Gedo Region, bordering Ethiopia and Kenya. It targets a population of approximately 90,000 people. In 2024, the project aims to reach an average of 7,593 community members, including women, girls, men, and boys.

Identifying the Most Vulnerable

CeRID employs a refined vulnerability criteria system, developed through community consultations, to identify households most in need of assistance. This criteria considers factors such as:

- Socioeconomic Status

- Livelihood Opportunities

- Displacement or Crisis Impact

- Population Groups (e.g., elderly, children)

- Gender-Based Violence Risks

- Single-headed Households

- Presence of Orphans, Separated Children, or Unaccompanied Minors

- Members with Disabilities or Chronic Illnesses

Making a Lasting Difference

The project delivers critical WASH services through various activities:

- Hygiene Kit Distribution: Providing essential hygiene supplies to promote healthy habits and reduce health risks.

- Water Access Improvement: Ensuring safe, equitable, and sustainable access to sufficient water for daily needs.

- Sanitation Facility Support: Facilitating access to appropriate and hygienic sanitation services.

By addressing immediate WASH needs, the Emergency WASH Support project plays a vital role in promoting the health, well-being, and dignity of Luuq District communities.

The Centre for Research and Integrated Development (CeRID) is leading a crucial initiative funded by Norwegian Church Aid (NCA) to address Gender-Based Violence (GBV) in Somalia. This project prioritizes the safety and wellbeing of women and girls, particularly adolescent girls in CeRID/NCA-supported schools.

Protecting Lives and Building Dignity

The project's core objective is to empower women and girls with the knowledge and resources they need to live free from violence and fear. This includes:

- Access to life-saving services: Providing essential support, including psychological care and case management, for survivors of Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV).

- Safe spaces: Creating safe havens where girls and women can gather for support groups, receive information, and connect with peers.

- Education and awareness: Empowering girls with knowledge about their rights and equipping them to identify and prevent GBV.

Focus on Adolescent Girls

The project recognizes the heightened vulnerability of adolescent girls to GBV. By targeting girls in Sinai Primary School and Luuq Secondary School, the initiative aims to:

- Reduce vulnerability: Equip girls with the tools to protect themselves and report GBV incidents.

- Promote school retention: Create a safe and supportive learning environment that encourages girls to stay in school.

- Build a network of support: Foster a community where girls feel empowered to seek help and connect with others.

Reaching Out to Vulnerable Communities

The project extends its support beyond schools, reaching women and girls residing in Jazira IDP camps. Two safe spaces, managed by CeRID, offer these women and girls:

- Critical information: Access to resources and knowledge about GBV and related issues.

- Referral networks: Connections to vital services, including healthcare, legal aid, and skills training.

- Peer support: A safe environment to connect with others who understand their experiences.

- Culturally appropriate services: Ensuring accessibility and sensitivity to local customs.

Building a Brighter Future

The NCA-funded GBV Response Project is a vital step towards a future free from violence for women and girls in Somalia. Through education, support services, and safe spaces, CeRID is empowering women and girls to claim their rights, build resilience, and lead fulfilling lives.

The Centre for Research and Integrated Development (CeRID) is implementing the Cross Border Community Resilience (CBCR) project, funded by the Bureau of Humanitarian Assistance (BHA), USAID, through Chemonics. This initiative aims to strengthen the social cohesion and resilience of cross-border communities in Somalia, particularly those within the Mandera Cluster, by expanding economic opportunities and improving the management of natural resources in these border regions.

Enhancing Livelihoods:

- Vocational training in tailoring, electrical work, plumbing, cosmetology, and massage therapy provided income-generating skills for youth and women.

- TVET start-up kits equipped graduates with the necessary tools to launch their businesses.

- Business skills and entrepreneurship training empowered graduates to navigate the business world.

- Training programs for farmers on forage and fodder production, post-harvest marketing, and business management improved agricultural practices.

- Support for keyhole gardening initiatives empowered women from an IDP camp to cultivate food for their families.

Building Social Cohesion:

- Peacebuilding and conflict management training equipped traditional elders with skills to mediate disputes and promote peaceful coexistence.

- Advocacy workshops brought together community leaders, civil society representatives, and local government officials to discuss strategies for stability, good governance, and equitable observance of rights.

- Leadership training programs empowered women and youth to take on more active roles in their communities.

Promoting Equitable Resource Sharing:

- Meetings facilitated dialogue between communities from Somalia, Ethiopia, and Kenya regarding the management of shared natural resources like water, grazing lands, and forests.

- Participants developed recommendations for establishing joint monitoring and enforcement mechanisms, cross-border agreements, and community-based management practices.

Overall Impact:

The CBCR project successfully achieved its objectives by equipping vulnerable populations with skills and resources, fostering collaboration among communities, and promoting sustainable natural resource management. This initiative has contributed to a more stable, prosperous, and peaceful future for the border regions.

The Centre for Research and Integrated Development (CeRID), in collaboration with Trócaire and supported by Irish Aid, is implementing the Resilience and Sustainable Livelihood Skills project. This impactful initiative focuses on empowering vulnerable women in Luuq District, Somalia, specifically Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) and women from host communities.

Empowering for a Sustainable Tomorrow

The project's core objective is to create a lasting positive impact on the lives of these women. It aims to achieve this by:

- Promoting Diverse Food Sources: Encouraging the adoption of agroecological practices, a sustainable and environmentally friendly approach to agriculture, to increase food production and variety.

- Enhancing Livelihoods: Providing training and resources for income-generating activities, fostering financial independence through savings and loans programs, and exploring vocational training opportunities.

- Protecting the Environment: Engaging communities in protecting local biodiversity and natural resources through sustainable land management practices.

- Empowering Advocacy: Supporting women in advocating for their rights and those related to the sustainable management of natural resources.

Reaching Out to Those in Need

The project targets 140 women from three IDP camps and 60 women from host communities around Luuq Town. These women will participate in the program in two groups, graduating after a successful 2.5 years.

Building Capacity for Long-Term Success

The project offers a comprehensive approach to empower these women:

- Farming Support: Providing access to land, farm inputs, and training to improve agricultural productivity and diversify food sources.

- Livelihood Options: Offering training in income-generating activities, exploring vocational training opportunities, and establishing savings and loans programs to promote financial security.

- Natural Resource Management: Supporting communities in establishing committees and providing training for the sustainable use and management of natural resources.

A Collaborative Approach for Lasting Change

The project prioritizes participation and collaboration. Stakeholders and beneficiaries are actively involved in decision-making processes, ensuring the project addresses their specific needs and promotes sustainable practices that benefit both livelihoods and the environment.

The Resilience and Sustainable Livelihood Skills project is a beacon of hope for a brighter future in Luuq. By empowering women, promoting sustainable practices, and fostering a collaborative spirit, the project is paving the way for a more resilient and prosperous community.