Oxfam's work in Somalia in depth

After 17 years of sporadic conflict between rival factions, cycles of drought and flooding and with no effective central government, Somalia is now in the midst of a humanitarian emergency. Oxfam International has been working in Somalia since the 1960s, providing both humanitarian and capacity-building assistance directly to the most vulnerable people.

Oxfam in Somalia

An extremely challenging and volatile environment makes Somalia a very difficult place for NGOs to work. Recognising this, and the superior access and key role of civil society to achieving progress in Somalia, Oxfam International works with local organisations to implement its programmes in the country.

Since March 2007, Oxfam International has invested $6.4m into emergency activities in Somalia – to provide basic needs to half a million vulnerable people. We work across the spectrum of emergency needs – providing water, food and non-food items, emergency livelihood support and working with communities to promote protection activities for vulnerable people.

Currently, Oxfam International is working with a local partner in Mogadishu to provide over 50,000 hot meals a day to deprived people in the city who do not have the means to flee - many of whom are living on as little as $21 a year.

We are leading one of the largest co-ordinated emergency water programmes - providing 180,000 people with water every day in 52 camps near Mogadishu. And we are providing cash relief to approximately 22,000 people displaced by conflict - enabling them to cover their most basic needs and to invest in sustainable income generating activities – giving them the tools to make a positive contribution to their own future.

Given the acute and persistent state of emergency in many parts of Somalia, the capacity of Somali organisations and communities to respond to needs in their country is very low. As such, Oxfam International carries out capacity building programmes with local civil society organisations – providing them with tailored technical support to enable them to better respond to emergencies. Since 1995, Oxfam International has worked with over 100 local organisations and consultants in this joint work.

Currently, we are carrying out training to enable people to respond to early warnings of threats to their communities such as drought or flooding, training in Sphere Standards, conflict sensitivity, gender advocacy, lobbying and media, while improving the capacity of organisations to manage their programmes and seek funds. We are also working to strengthen Somali civil society’s ability to monitor and advocate on human rights issues and we are working with communities to build their capacity to deal effectively with HIV and AIDS.

Oxfam International is actively engaged in regional and international lobbying and advocacy work around Somalia including calling for all parties in the conflict to fulfil their responsibility to protect civilians and for increased humanitarian assistance to the people affected.

In 2008, Oxfam will invest a further $10m to launch and expand emergency programmes in Somalia.

Last updated: July 08