World Vision and USAID launch Transformative Resilience Program in Southwest Somalia to Reduce Aid Dependency

Baidoa, South West State, Somalia–World Vision Somalia, in partnership with USAID Bureau for Humanitarian Assistance (BHA), has officially launched the Empowering Marginalized Groups through Economic Graduation in Somalia (EMERGE) Program. 

The landmark five-year initiative aims to improve food security and build resilience for over 158,000 internally displaced persons (IDPs) and host community members in Baidoa and Hudur.

The launch event convened prominent figures, including His Excellency Abdiaziz Hassan Mohamed Laftagareen, President of Southwest State, senior government leaders, implementing partners and community members. Keynote speakers underscored the critical need for durable solutions to address poverty and displacement in the region. 

At the heart of the EMERGE program is the Graduation Approach, a model designed to transition participants from dependency to self-reliance. This approach combines cash assistance, coaching, skills training and access to productive resources, enabling vulnerable communities to achieve sustainable livelihoods. 

Kevin Mackey, Chief of Party for EMERGE, emphasised the program’s community-centered vision: “We want people to save money and start investing. This program focuses on the community to transform their lives,” he said.

Kevin Mackey, Chief of Party for the EMERGE Program, addresses the audience during the launch event.

Aligned with the National Durable Solutions Framework, the EMERGE program addresses both immediate needs and long-term goals. President Abdiaziz Hassan Laftagareen highlighted the program’s potential to drive systemic change.

“Our priority is to empower people to move beyond the daily struggles of survival, worrying about what to eat or where to sleep, and instead focus on long-term aspirations like education and development. This requires equipping them with essential skills and fostering their integration into the community,” he stated. 

President Abdiaziz Hassan Laftagareen emphasized the transformative potential of the EMERGE program to bring about lasting, systemic change for communities in need during his address.

By tackling the root causes of poverty and displacement, the EMERGE program aims to empower vulnerable populations to thrive, reduce aid dependency, and cultivate resilience and hope for the future.

The EMERGE program is anchored  on five key interventions:

• Consumption Support: Providing immediate cash assistance to meet basic needs.
• Coaching and Mentoring: Offering one-on-one guidance to help participants achieve sustainable goals.
• Savings and Financial Services: Building financial literacy and enabling economic stability.
• Skills Training and Job Creation: Equipping individuals with vocational and entrepreneurial skills to foster self-reliance.
• Productive Assets: Supplying tools and resources to help beneficiaries rebuild their livelihoods.

The holistic approach is designed to benefit both IDPs and host communities, fostering greater social and economic cohesion. 

Hussein Sheikh, Minister of Planning, underscored the importance for collective action, noting that: “Finding solutions for displaced communities requires responsibility shared among government institutions, society, international organisations, businesses and academia. Let us join hands to address these challenges.”

Hussein Sheikh, Minister of Planning, emphasized the importance of collective action during his address.

EMERGE Program to be implemented in partnering with Local Organisations

With the support from a Consortium that included Tulane University, Elman Peace and Shaqodoon, and other partners, the EMERGE program is set to deliver meaningful impact. 

Zahra Abdi Mohamed, Director for Poverty Reduction and Durable Solutions, expressed optimism about the program’s impact.

“The launch of this project is a new beginning that will create great hope for the Somali people, especially the vulnerable. I am confident that it will lead to tangible and lasting change, improving the lives of the poor, displaced, farmers, and pastoralists,” she said. 

Zahra Abdi Mohamed, Director for Poverty Reduction and Durable Solutions, shared her optimism about the program’s transformative impact.

The program’s inclusive design ensures that 70% of its direct participants are IDPs, while 30% are members of the host community. Prioritising job creation, agricultural development and fostering self-reliance, EMERGE establishes a robust model for sustainable development in Baidoa and Hudur.

As Somalia continues its journey toward recovery and resilience, the EMERGE program represents a critical milestone. By focusing on empowerment, self-reliance and sustainable livelihoods, it lays the foundation for a brighter a resilient future for the people of Southwest Somalia.

By Amina Hashi, Communications Coordinator, EMERGE.