Figure 1: Shows a photo of CARE Field assistant interviewing Halima.
Over the years, The Mandera Triangle has been affected by the recurrent droughts limiting access to basic services, leading to environmental degradation.
Since November 2017, BORESHA Programme has responded to the crisis in the cross-border areas in several sectors. This includes Livelihood and Natural Resource Management (NRM) to promote economic development and greater resilience, particularly among vulnerable groups. In first quarter of 2022, CARE prioritized cash for work interventions in 19 sites, targeting 1,223 households across Kenya, Somalia, and Ethiopia borders, with a focus on supporting drought-affected households and to rehabilitate degraded rangelands.
Halima Hussein Abdi, a mother of 10, aged 40, living in Gawido village in Beled-Hawo district, Gedo region of Somalia is among the individuals whose household benefited from the BORESHA cash for work interventions funded by EUTF, implemented by CARE International. Halima and her family were affected by the ravaging drought that is experienced across the horn of Africa and her village has been hit hard. “I lived in debt and had no support from immediate relatives and due to poor income, we had to skip some meals,” said Halima. “I used the $100 I received from CARE International for domestic needs; I paid my debt of $20, and provided care and support to my family, relatives, and friends”, she added on.
Halima is relieved having purchased food ratio to manage her through the month of ‘Ramadhan’ when Muslims across the world observe fasting during the day. Cheerfully, Halima requested CARE to support a women empowerment project that promoted livelihood and improved skills in business entrepreneurship. Finally, Halima appreciated CARE’s efforts in supporting crisis-affected communities.
The aim of prioritizing this intervention was for CARE to help reduce the suffering of local communities, guarantee them food security while improving degraded rangelands. In first quarter of 2022, 1,223 households in Kenya, Somalia, and Ethiopia have now alleviated their situation thanks to CARE-BORESHA Cash for Work.
By: Salim Mohamed
CARE-MEAL Coordinator