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Somalia: reflecting on self sustenance

29-06-2012 Photo gallery

For more than two decades, conflict, poor security conditions and widespread lawlessness continue to exacerbate the humanitarian crisis in Somalia. In addition, recurrent droughts and high food and fuel prices contribute to food insecurity and nutritional uncertainty in many areas. The ICRC has been responding to emergency needs of the Somali population as well as helping vulnerable communities to resist the chronic, cumulative impact of these shocks and retain self-sufficiency.

  • Somalia. The ICRC has been responding to the most urgent needs of the population, especially in areas of Somalia most adversely affected by the ongoing armed conflict.
    • Somalia. The ICRC has been responding to the most urgent needs of the population, especially in areas of Somalia most adversely affected by the ongoing armed conflict. Decades of conflict and natural disaster have severely impaired the population's capacity to sustain itself economically. Consequently, for many years, the ICRC has focused its assistance primarily on carrying out agricultural, water and cash-for-work projects designed to restore or improve livelihoods and economic security in communities weakened by these crises.
      © ICRC
  • Puntland, Somalia. The recently completed distribution for 77,000 drought-stricken farmers, pastoralists and people displaced by fighting was designed to provide a two-month supply of basic food items to help them bridge the
    • Puntland, Somalia. The recently completed distribution for 77,000 drought-stricken farmers, pastoralists and people displaced by fighting was designed to provide a two-month supply of basic food items to help them bridge the "hunger gap" period leading up to the July harvest.
      © ICRC / Abdullahi Isse
  • Hiraan, Somalia. Food assistance allows the beneficiaries to maintain vital livelihood assets that they might otherwise have had to exchange for food at deflated prices.
    • Hiraan, Somalia. Food assistance allows the beneficiaries to maintain vital livelihood assets that they might otherwise have had to exchange for food at deflated prices.
      © ICRC
  • Somalia. Many, if not most victims of armed conflict struggle to secure their food on a daily basis. Beyond their survival, proper nutrition is essential to health, individual safety, recovery, and development.
    • Somalia. Many, if not most victims of armed conflict struggle to secure their food on a daily basis. Beyond their survival, proper nutrition is essential to health, individual safety, recovery, and development.
      © ICRC
  • Somalia. The ICRC response in the area of nutrition is combined with livelihood support and is connected closely with other activities related to health, water and habitat.
    • Somalia. The ICRC response in the area of nutrition is combined with livelihood support and is connected closely with other activities related to health, water and habitat.
      © ICRC
  • Hiraan, Somalia.ICRC provides farmers with tools as it enhances food production leading to self-sufficiency.
  • Hiraan, Somalia. Members of the local community benefit from both improved access to water and temporary employment.
  • Galgaduud, Somalia. The ICRC uses trucks to provide clean water to the population in immediate need, especially newly displaced populations.
  • Galgaduud, Somalia. The ICRC provides seeds and tools to farmers during planting season and hires tractors to help them plough their land.

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