The population of Somalia relies heavily on agriculture and livestock farming. However, years of inadequate rainfall have led to prolonged drought, resulting in poor harvests, the death of animals, and the destruction of livelihoods. Many once-thriving families have been forced to the brink of survival, compelled to abandon their traditional livelihoods, and seek refuge in urban centres or camps for the internally displaced.

Families like Hadija’s were getting by comfortably with their herds of goats, sheep, and cows. The drought wiped out their livestock and forced them from their home to a camp in search of aid.

With your support, our partners are providing food, shelter, water, healthcare and sanitation services at the camps and helping build community resilience to climatic and other shocks.

“I had about 115 goats, 57 cows and two sheep before the drought took them away,” says Hadija. “My children almost died of hunger. We left home to look for help. When we arrived at the camp, we received many items that helped us settle. We were given a temporary shelter made of tarpaulin, soap, and other household items.”

Your support is helping to meet the urgent needs of displaced families like Hadija’s. Thank you!

Photo caption: Hadija (not her real name) standing in front of the temporary shelter provided for her family at the camp in Kismayu, Somalia. (Photo: LWF Somalia)