Assisting displaced people through cash transfers
Somalia | 2023 | CBPF
Somalia, Galgaduud region. Galbedo Hashi Gutaale, 53, lives in Xeeb settlement for internally displaced people (IDPs) in Adado, in Somalia’s Galgaduud region. A mother of eight, Galbedo endured a lot of hardship, but after losing her livelihood to the unprecedented drought affecting the Horn of Africa, she fled her hometown.
“I had many reasons to leave my hometown,” she said. “One was the forceful recruitment of children by the armed groups in the area. Not only do they recruit the children, but they also force us to pay for their monthly upkeep of up to US$50. They also ask for other forms of taxes.”
“Four years ago, my life was beautiful. I had livestock and a farm, but then I lost everything,” added Galbedo, noting that she was relieved to reach Xeeb IDP settlement. With support from the Somalia Humanitarian Fund, Galbedo receives $100 per month through an unconditional cash-transfer project implemented by a local partner – Centre of Peace and Democracy (CPD).
“For us to survive, I decided to open a small business in the camp, where I began selling women’s and children’s clothes,” she explained. “I earn a small profit from my daily sales and this has really helped me to sustain my family.
“There was a time when getting one meal was too difficult for us. With the cash received, I have been able to provide for the basic needs of my children. Additionally, the cash enabled me to repay my debts,” she added.
The unconditional cash transfers have helped many displaced people in Somalia, like Galbedo, to revive their livelihoods. According to CPD ’s post-distribution monitoring, all families reported that their lives improved during the project implementation, with most able to meet their basic needs, especially food.
More information on the Somalia Humanitarian Fund:
OCHA – POOLED FUNDS DATA HUB – By Country (unocha.org)