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Oxfam in Somalia/Somaliland

Faadomo Hirsi and her grandson wheel water from an Oxfam distribution back home. Somalia is currently suffering from the worst drought in 60 years. Photo: Alun McDonald

From our staff

Farhiya Ali, Finance Manager

 I've worked at Oxfam for 16 years, and as finance manager most of my work involves finance and logistics. But of course sometimes I also find myself involved in Oxfam's direct work.

One time, we were able to distribute water to a population of 200,000 people. They had no water source, and many of those people had been displaced and so were not living in their own homes. I was part of the team that contributed towards that, and am very proud of this work. I think Oxfam relieves a lot of suffering and has a lot of impact in Somalia.


Full details of what Oxfam is doing in Somalia (PDF, 308KB)


East Africa food crisis

Millions of people in East Africa continue to face desperate food shortages following the worst drought in 60 years.

 

East Africa food crisis

In 2010-11 Oxfam helped:

700,000
people in
Somalia

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Support our East Africa drought appeal. 

Donate now 

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Related reports and papers

Snapshot of Oxfam in Somalia and Somaliland

Photo 1/10 photo by: Alun McDonald

The epicentre of a food crisis across East Africa following the worst drought in 60 years, Somalia is home to around 4 million people in need of life-saving assistance. Oxfam's East Africa drought response aims to reach around 1.5 million people through the provision of clean water (pictured), sanitation and hygiene services. We are also running cash transfer programmes and distributing essential supplies.

  • The epicentre of a food crisis across East Africa following the worst drought in 60 years, Somalia is home to around 4 million people in need of life-saving assistance. Oxfam's East Africa drought response aims to reach around 1.5 million people through the provision of clean water (pictured), sanitation and hygiene services. We are also running cash transfer programmes and distributing essential supplies.
  • Another element of our food crisis response includes working with local partners to run the largest single nutrition programme in South Central Somalia. Based in Mogadishu, the project treats more than 12,000 severely malnourished children, pregnant and lactating mothers a month. These three triplets, pictured with their mother Ambiyo, all received treatment at Oxfam's care centre.
  • In addition to drought, Somalia has been badly affected by a 20-year conflict which has forced nearly 2 million people to flee their homes to escape intense fighting and shelling. Oxfam has also been working in the over-crowded camps where many have fled to provide life-saving aid such as clean water, latrines and mosquito nets. We also run health sessions and give cash grants to help those who have lost their livelihoods start up small businesses.
  • In the northern autonomous region of Somaliland, which is more stable than elsewhere in Somalia, our longer-term programme includes working with pastoralist communities for whom livestock is a key source of food and income. Our animal health workers help improve the condition of their cattle so they are less likely to die in times of drought.

The impact of our work

Before the construction of the water system, washing hands was a luxury. Since Oxfam and (local partner) HIJRA started supplying us with water, diarrhoea outbreaks have almost disappeared. We are able to wash our cloths and bathe anytime we want.


Rukio Yusufu, Kuan camp, Afgooye