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The pervasive instability in southern and central Somalia, combined with the collapse of socio-economic conditions in recent years, has caused tremendous suffering among the Somali people. Food insecurity has worsened because of ongoing drought since 2005 and malnutrition levels are as high as 20 percent in some areas. IMC Somalia has responded to these challenges by implementing community-driven livelihood programs, like seed vouchers and beekeeping, aimed at relieving poverty.
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IMC has focused on strategies that will immediately strengthen livelihoods and generate income for the most vulnerable groups, with an emphasis on female-headed households. IMC’s projects use a holistic approach that fosters self-reliance, not only in terms of improving income, nutrition and employment, but also in empowering women.
Some examples:
IMC gave community members cash vouchers that they could exchange for assorted seeds suitable for planting during the dyer - or rainy season. Forty members of the Bakool District Health Board received training on how to implement the voucher program. The board determined which households were most vulnerable and therefore eligible for the vouchers. Approximately 3,000 households, half of which were headed by women, were given 34 metric tons of maize, beans and sorghum seeds.
IMC also provided four women’s groups comprised of 80 women total, with beehives and equipment, then taught them how to use the equipment to harvest and process the honey. They learned how to market and sell byproducts like wax and candles which will ensure the project’s long-term sustainability. These women are now able to feed their families as well as other vulnerable members of their community.
IMC’s programs have been economically and socially empowering, particularly for women who live in a society that can be gender insensitive.