Due to the difficult environmental and economic situation, Somalia is facing multiple issues as flooding, massive presence of locusts, droughts and, in the latest years, the effects of Covid-19 pandemic.
In this context, the project “Coordinated implementation of multipurpose cash assistance to support Somali households affected by crisis” has as a principal objective to save lives and improve the ability of vulnerable Somali households to meet their basic needs and to show progress towards the long-term goal of a Shock Responsive Somali safety net. In detail, the action targets 4798 households, especially new Internal Displaced persons (IDPs) in Baidoa district and aid is provided through monthly mobile money multipurpose Unconditional Cash Transfers (UCTs) to households.
The activities implemented consist in transferring cash to beneficiaries through Mobile Money systems. Response in Mobile Money cash transfers has proven to be efficient, cost-effective, transparent and scalable to meet rapid surges in needed support. It also aligns with beneficiary preferences and is flexible to meet the unique needs of beneficiary households. Markets in Somalia in areas of Consortium intervention have remained functional and there is adequate infrastructure to enable this modality to work effectively.
Through this system disaster and displacement-affected populations have improved access to basic needs including food, non-food items, WASH and healthcare.