19-02-2025 | di COOPI

Somalia. Transforming lives through cash assistance: Barwaaqo's success story

Baidoa, located in the southwestern region of Somalia, is one of the many areas affected by climate shocks, which have caused the displacement of many people and made agro-pastoral villages even more vulnerable. Barwaaqo Adam Ibrahim, a 44-year-old resident of Haween village and mother of nine children, experienced firsthand the devastating effects of drought and hunger, struggling to provide for her family. Her life took a positive turn when she received assistance from COOPI-Cooperazione Internazionale, and finacial support from the Somalia Humanitarian Fund (SHF).

COOPI implemented a six-month project titled "Multipurpose Cash Assistance to Alleviate Suffering of Rural Households Affected by Droughts, Floods, and Protracted Crisis in Baidoa District", aimed at improving the ability of vulnerable crisis-affected households to meet their basic needs through an unconditional cash transfer program. Barwaaqo’s household was one of the 250 beneficiaries in Haween village, along with 927 other families across seven villages.

Before the intervention, Barwaaqo faced enormous challenges in ensuring her family's survival. She cultivated sorghum and maize, selling the harvest at the Baidoa market to purchase basic food items. However, her earnings were not enough to cover all expenses, such as school fees for her children. When the drought hit, the lack of rain caused the farm to stop producing, further worsening their condition. To supplement the family's income, Barwaaqo’s husband worked as a porter, transporting milk, animals, and goods from Haween village to Baidoa market. However, the unstable nature of his work resulted in financial insecurity, causing additional stress and uncertainty about their future.

Thanks to the project, Barwaaqo’s household received $120 per month for three months.

COOPI gave me $120 for three months. When I received it, I started a small business to improve my life. So far, things are going well. My shop is running smoothly, and I am making a profit. I sell various items such as vegetables, T-shirts, flip-flops, and other goods. I want to expand my business to improve my family’s life,"

says Barwaaqo.

The project aimed to support women, men, children, and female-headed households, equipping them with the tools to overcome the crisis and rebuild their lives.

I am very happy with the support received. I no longer have to worry about providing food for my children. Since receiving the cash assistance, our lives have improved in every aspect. Now, I can focus on my children's future, ensuring they have food and access to education. In the future, I aspire to become a successful businesswoman in my village and the Bay region,"

says Barwaaqo.

Stories like Barwaaqo’s demonstrate the transformative power of humanitarian aid, offering hope and resilience to communities most affected by adversity.

 COOPI has been present in Somalia since 1981 and, in response to the current drought emergency, has swiftly implemented emergency programs, integrating them with development and resilience projects in the most affected regions.