Horn of Africa: two SDC humanitarian workers tell us about their work
Article, 19.08.2016
The international community celebrates World Humanitarian Day on 19 August. To mark the occasion, the SDC pays tribute to its own humanitarian workers. Natacha Pugin and Abdi Kunow work day in day out providing food assistance in the Horn of Africa.
Several hundred experts make up the SDC's Swiss Humanitarian Aid Unit (SHA). Whether in Bern or abroad, as members of the SHA on assignment in the field or in reserve, these men and women work in a wide range of areas, in all countries around the world that need their help.
The Horn of Africa, for example, faces a multitude of crises, including natural disasters, conflict and extreme poverty. Somalia is the epicentre of the region’s humanitarian crisis, with the highest rates of malnutrition in the world. The UN estimates that 4.7 million people require humanitarian aid in Somalia alone, equivalent to 40% of the population.
So who are the men and women who choose to work in these challenging environments? How do they do their job and what does it entail? What motivates them? We take a closer look at the work of two SDC experts in the Greater Horn of Africa.
Natacha Pugin
Position: Member of the SHA, seconded to the World Food Programme (WFP) in Somalia
Place of work: Nairobi, Kenya, with occasional travel to Somalia
Length of assignment: 12 months
Her job
Natacha is responsible for providing technical support in the implementation of cash-based transfer programmes. She is part of the WFP's Programme Unit in Somalia.
The beneficiaries
The WFP provides food assistance to millions of men, women and children using a digital beneficiary and transfer management platform called SCOPE. To date, the details of over 1.2 million people in Somalia have been entered in SCOPE. In the first half of 2016, 440,000 Somalis in acute need received food assistance by means of electronic cards.
A typical day
Natacha works in Kenya at the Nairobi liaison office. Her assignment began four months ago. New technologies allow her to do a substantial amount of work remotely whilst remaining in close contact with teams on the ground. Natacha liaises between the WFP’s various functional and operational units. She takes part in regular analyses of cash-based transfers to ensure that they are in line with market prices and also helps to foster ownership of the system among all national colleagues and partners involved with the WFP.
The benefits of digital technology
Thanks to the transfer system, programme beneficiaries can choose and buy their food from retailers nationwide. Data digitalisation means that nutrition programmes can be tailored to the needs of the worst affected population groups, such as pregnant women, babies and children. It also makes it easy to monitor the programme. According to the project officer, the technology enables an appropriate, reliable and flexible humanitarian response whilst boosting the local economy.
The challenges
Humanitarian travel is closely monitored in Somalia. The situation on the ground is difficult and unpredictable. Owing to the highly unstable climate in the country, Natacha’s first field assignment in August had to be postponed for security reasons. In her view, the main challenge with working in such contexts is finding the right balance between the needs of the population, risk management and the complexity of the environment in which the teams operate. It is a situation that requires humility and pragmatism. For Natacha, the discrepancy between the immense needs of the population and the resources available to humanitarian organisations is sometimes difficult to accept.
What motivates her
Natacha feels privileged to work in humanitarian aid, doing a job that is consistent with her values. Her assignment as a WFP programme officer represents a constant challenge: developing sustainable local solutions to ensure that everyone has access to adequate nutritious food all year round and to end malnutrition in all its forms by making the best possible use of 21st century technologies. “Working with teams who do an incredible job only strengthens my commitment even more,” she explains.
Her background
After graduating in economics and social sciences from the University of Fribourg, Natacha spent several years working in the financial sector in Zurich and New York. She was then taken on by the International Committee of the Red Cross as an administrative coordinator, where she worked in various countries (Ethiopia, South Sudan, Burundi, South East Asia and Central Asia). At the FDFA’s Swiss Humanitarian Aid Unit she is a member of the Coordination and Administration expert group and has undertaken a range of assignments in Bern, then Liberia, Lebanon, Madagascar and now Somalia.
Kunow Abdi
Position: Food security programme officer, Horn of Africa, Swiss cooperation office in Kenya
Place of work: Nairobi, Kenya – Frequent travel to Horn of Africa (Northern Kenya, Somalia)
His job
Kunow works for the SDC in the Horn of Africa in food security and rural development domain. His priorities are water supply for pastoral communities and livestock, improved rangelands management and boosting the resilience of people enduring food crises.
The beneficiaries
Kunow is currently involved in two projects providing assistance for communities in Somalia and northern Kenya. The Somalia Resilience Programme supports 420,000 shepherds, farmers and people living in city suburbs. The resilience of the community plays a vital role in food crisis management in this programme. In the provinces of northern Kenya, the Kenya Resilient Arid Lands Partnership for Integrated Development (Kenya RAPID) supports water supply in several regions benefiting 435,000 people.
A typical day
The programme officer is based at the Swiss embassy in Nairobi, Kenya. As the SDC is one of the project partners and not the direct implementer, Kunow mainly works remotely in close cooperation with the SDC local teams. He visits the operations in the field several times a year, meeting the various partners and monitoring and evaluating the programmes.
The challenges
Visiting some areas is still dangerous, even for people from the Horn of Africa. Aid operations are protected by armed escorts in most parts of Somalia, particularly in southern and central regions. Kunow stresses just how much rigorous prior planning is involved. He lives in the relatively secure Kenyan capital. Restrictions on the freedom of movement and the sense of insecurity sometimes encountered when working in this region also represent challenges.
What motivates him
Kunow has vast experience of working in Somalia, Kenya and Ethiopia. “I’m very familiar with this fragile and sensitive environment. These are my roots. I’m very much at home in this part of the world,” he explained. “It’s extremely rewarding to apply your skills, expertise and experience to an initiative that has a direct impact on the lives of thousands of people.” Kunow speaks the local languages facilitating interaction with the communities. He also has a better understanding than anyone of these people’s needs. Somalia is more severely affected by the chronic food crisis hitting the Horn of Africa. After almost three decades of war, conflict and lack of operational government, Kunow believes the resilience of Somalian communities in dealing with drought, famine and poor harvests has been eroded. He added: “There is tremendous humanitarian need. The SDC gives me the opportunity to play a part in the assistance process.”
His background
Kunow comes from the County of Garissa in north-eastern Kenya. After studying veterinary medicine at the University of Nairobi, he spent several years working as a programme manager for various international NGOs in Kenya and Somalia. He then took a master’s degree in food security and international development in the UK. He subsequently returned to the Horn of Africa, to work as a food security specialist for the SDC over a year ago.
Links
Swiss Humanitarian Aid: saving lives and alleviating suffering
The SDC: engagement in fragile contexts and prevention of violent conflicts
Somalia Resilience Programme, SomReP
Resilience for Pastoralist Communities in Northern Kenya
Cash transfer programming – Make beneficiaries an integral part of the humanitarian response
SDC projects in the Greater Horn of Africa
Provision of CCCM, protection and social cohesion responses to Sudan crisis affected populations in Renk and Manyo Counties, Upper Nile
01.06.2024
- 31.12.2024
To respond to the needs of the growing number of refugees and returnees crossing the border into South Sudan due to the ongoing crisis in the Sudan, both in camp and host community settings. The intervention will improve CCCM, WASH2 and protection in Renk town, in the Transit Center (TC) at Renk and in the Reception Centre (RC) in Joda and Manyo.
Good Financial Governance (GFG)
01.05.2024
- 30.04.2027
The project contributes to strengthen Tanzania’s public financial system, a central element to cement its economic status. The 3rd phase aims at expanding the mobilization of domestic revenue and improving the government’s expenditure control. It shall strengthen interinstitutional mechanisms for tax data exchange, enhance the audit system, and improve public procurement. At policy level, it seeks to develop an evidence-based and gender responsive fiscal strategy for better public service delivery to benefit the population, especially the poor.
Safeguard Young People (SYP) - Tanzania
01.01.2024
- 31.12.2026
With 62% of its population below 25 years, the Safeguard Young People (SYP) programme supports Tanzania’s demographic dividend. The project advances young people’s sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) through a gender-responsive and inclusive policy environment, empowered youth who make informed decisions, and responsive health and education systems. SYP builds on 10 years of regional experience and UNFPA’s expertise.
2024 Additional allocation to WFP Country Strategic Plans (NHF)
01.01.2024
- 31.12.2024
The war in Sudan entered its second year. Sudan is facing a major humanitarian catastrophe. The conflict also affected neighbouring countries, in particular Chad and South Sudan who are already struggling with a dire humanitarian situation that pre-existed before the conflict broke out. The consequences of the war exacerbated the acute food insecurity situation in those countries. With additional funding, SDC reinforces WFP’s emergency response to deliver life-saving food and nutrition assistance in Sudan, Chad and South Sudan.
Tanzania Social Action Fund (TASAF)
01.10.2023
- 30.09.2025
Switzerland’s contribution to Tanzania Social Action Fund (TASAF) for the implementation of the Productive Social Safety Net Program (PSSN) contributes to the protection of 1.5 milion poor households in Tanzania Mainland and Zanzibar through cash transfers, public works and livelihoods enhancement. Also evidence generated through this support will inform and reinforce Swiss engagement in national policy dialogue on social protection, beyond PSSN.
SSD: UNDP, Electoral Support Project
01.08.2023
- 31.12.2024
The proposed project seeks to finance phase 1 of the electoral support in partnership with joint UNDP, UNMISS and the members of UN Country Team in South Sudan. The National Election Commission (NEC), RTGoNU and other relevant actors such as academia and civil society shall be key stakeholders in executing the project. The support will mark the transition from the R-ARCSS to South Sudan in which government and society are based upon a constitutional order and democratic legitimacy.
Supporting returnee and host communities to rebuild livelihoods, generate income, and peacefully improve and manage natural resources for short-term relief and long-term food security (Triple Nexus) in South Sudan
01.07.2023
- 30.09.2025
This project will support returnees and the host communities to rebuild their livelihoods, generate income, and peacefully improve and manage natural resources for short-term relief and long-term food security. This will be achieved through increased food production, sustainable management and governance of natural resources, initiating alternative income opportunities, non-violent conflict resolution and GBV prevention. This intervention aligns with the humanitarian, peace and development nexus and will contribute to durable solutions.
South Sudan: Plan International, Integrated Protection, Skills Building and Learning for Empowerment of Adolescents, Youth, families and communities in Yei, Morobo and Kajokeji
15.06.2023
- 14.06.2025
This project seeks to complement the previous phase of an integrated protection intervention. It will build on key successes, achievements and key lessons learned through the provision of integrated life-saving emergency child protection services, skills building, empowerment of adolescent youth and communities in the targeted locations.
Enhancing Climate Resilience of Vulnerable Communities and Ecosystems in South Sudan
01.06.2023
- 31.05.2026
Local authorities and communities will be strengthened in their technical and managerial capacities to reduce people’s livelihood exposure, vulnerability and resilience to floods and drought thus increasing food production and reduce food insecurity as well as displacement of people and competition over natural resources. This will be achieved through improved communication, coordination and knowledge-sharing, early warning systems and appropriate legislation.
SOM, Com. recvr. peace. &local gov. ph02
01.05.2023
- 31.12.2025
Somalia is slowly emerging from one of the most complex and protracted conflicts. Over the past decade, peacebuilding and state-building processes, while navigating conflict, climate crisis and political fragility, maintained an incrementally positive trajectory. In investing in civil society engagement and building of local institutions and capacities all over Somalia, Switzerland is contributing in the establishment and strengthening of sustainable, community-driven, inclusive institutions necessary to deliver services and sustainable peace.
Somalia: Strengthening State Institutions for better service delivery
01.03.2023
- 31.12.2025
The Multi-Partner-Fund (MPF) provided an umbrella to prepare the World Bank’s (WB) re-engagement in Somalia. It has become a powerful tool for donors to pool resources and enabled the WB to engage with Somali authorities to gradually advance reform implementation related to revenue and financial policy, as well as public financial management (PFM). Through this project, Switzerland supports the incremental strengthening of core state institutions in Somalia and contributes ultimately to stability and socio-economic recovery of the country.
Mercy Corps: Strengthening Resilience in Agriculture, Livelihoods and Markets through Local Institutions in Greater Mundri
01.02.2023
- 31.01.2026
To sustainably move households out of chronic vulnerability, poverty and food insecurity by facilitating economic recovery and support for smallholder farmers and non-farm microenterprises. The support will consist of market system development (MSD), value chain development, vocational skills development and improved methods of agriculture, such as agro-ecology and conservation. The intervention will focus on women and youth and is highly relevant in a post-conflict context like Mundri (South Sudan).
Somalia is slowly emerging from one of the most complex and protracted conflicts. Over the past decade, peacebuilding and state-building processes, while navigating conflict, climate crisis and political fragility, maintained an incrementally positive trajectory. In investing in civil society engagement and building of local institutions and capacities all over Somalia, Switzerland is contributing in the establishment and strengthening of sustainable, community-driven, inclusive institutions necessary to deliver services and sustainable peace.
Country/region | Topic | Period | Budget |
---|---|---|---|
Somalia |
Climate change and environment Governance Humanitarian Assistance & DRR
Disaster risk reduction DRR
Decentralisation Public sector policy Protection, access & security Public finance management |
01.05.2023
- 31.12.2025 |
CHF 24’635’000
|
- Community structures and communitybased organizations in Puntland, Somaliland and Galmudug
- All Federal Member States (FMS) including Somaliland and Benadir (Mogadishu) and their districts.
- Direct partner is the Federal Ministry of Interior and the districts (leading the decentralisation process).
- Contribute to the promotion of sustainable peace, cohesion and civic engagement (R2P) in Puntland, Somaliland and Galmudug
- Contribute to community Recovery through peace dividend projects (Nordic International Support Foundation (NIS))
- Contribute to sustained community recovery and inclusive local Governments with increasingly improved capacity to deliver equitable and sustainable services (SJF - Community Recovery & Local Governance window)
- Community peace and reconciliation processes established
- Civic education on good governance strengthened
- Community governance structures and local institutions built
- Outcome 1: Improved relations amongst community members and amongst the community and the state authorities.
- Outcome 2: Improved economic dynamics and livelihoods in targeted locations.
- Outcome 3: Improved capacity of the authorities to provide basic services in targeted communities.
- In 60-100% of the project areas Peace Committees are established and helped to decrease conflicts, and improve trust among citizens and government
- Improved environment to conduct direct elections following the delivery of civic education and training to women & men
- Supported local elections in Puntland, first direct elections in 50 years (50% of voters women,17% of councilors women)
- 2021-2023 budget allocation to Service Delivery for Health and Education increased (Puntland/Somaliland) by 27% compared to 2020
- 38% increase in school enrolment and 70% of young graduates trained/recruited by local governments were women.
- Official registration of 25,000 property units in Baidoa has sharply increased local domestic revenue collection
- Improved public procurement processes with over 2’500 local government officials trained improved accountability.
- Other international or foreign NGO North
- United Nations Development Programme
-
Sector according to the OECD Developement Assistance Commitiee categorisation GOVERNMENT AND CIVIL SOCIETY
DISASTER PREVENTION AND PREPAREDNESS
GOVERNMENT AND CIVIL SOCIETY
EMERGENCY RESPONSE
GOVERNMENT AND CIVIL SOCIETY
Sub-Sector according to the OECD Developement Assistance Commitiee categorisation Decentralisation and support to subnational government (incl. accountability)
Disaster prevention and preparedness
Public sector policy and administrative management
Material relief assistance and services
Public finance management
Cross-cutting topics Conflict reduction
Aid Type Basketpooled multi-donor fund
Project and programme contribution
Project number 7F10864
Background | Somalia works on overcoming a prolonged state of conflict, political fragmentation and recurrent natural crisis. The country has progressed from a failed to a very fragile State in the last few decades, regaining more stability by investing in building up government institutions. Progress has been made notably between 2011 and 2023 with local elections, statistics, and financial reform and overall state-building processes. These gains and context remain fragile and there is need to further invest in the establishment and strengthening of legitimate, inclusive, responsive, and effective government institutions especially also in the areas newly recovered from Al Shabab (AS). Provision of services are key to establish and maintain state authority, social accountability and the social contract. Meanwhile, more stable areas are also increasingly struggling with decades of under investment, lack of resources and the direct impact of climate change causing livelihood destruction, rapid urbanization and internal displacement. Functional and inclusive local governance structures more inclusive also for women and able to providing much-needed basic services are crucial to foster peace promotion. A more peaceful and stable Somalia supports the stabilization of the broader Horn of Africa, a geo-strategic region of global importance including Swiss interests when it comes to global trade, migration and stability. |
Objectives | Effective and consensus-based Local Governance anchored on local peace and community recovery |
Target groups |
Outcome 1: R2P: Outcome 2 NIS: Outcome 3: SJF: Overall the programme targets the population of Somalia; the regions and the local governments at the district level. Special focus on women inclusion and participation. |
Medium-term outcomes |
|
Results |
Expected results: Outcome 1 (Road to Sustainable Peace): Outcome 2 (NIS Foundation): Outcome 3 (UN Somalia Joint Fund): 1) Policies and regulatory frameworks for local governance, and decentralized service delivery developed and implemented. (2) Strengthened community structures and capacities to contribute to more peaceful resilient, and sustainable societies; (3) Local authorities created, strengthened, and empowered to design and deliver equitable basic social services Results from previous phases: Road to Peace Consortium (R2P): UN Joint Program on Local Governance (JPLG): |
Directorate/federal office responsible |
SDC |
Credit area |
Humanitarian aid |
Project partners |
Contract partner International or foreign NGO United Nations Organization (UNO) |
Coordination with other projects and actors | Peace-building and Local governance occupies a significant place within SDC portfolio: links to Durable Solutions (Saamenyta), Inclusive & Accountable Governance (IAG), WB MPF are strong. SDC closely coordinates with other stakeholders engaged in stabilization programs such as Finnish Church Aid and Somalia Stability Fund and People centred program. |
Budget | Current phase Swiss budget CHF 24’635’000 Swiss disbursement to date CHF 4’223’356 Total project since first phase Swiss budget CHF 7’964’268 Budget inclusive project partner CHF 38’000’000 |
Project phases | Phase 2 01.05.2023 - 31.12.2025 (Current phase) Phase 1 01.11.2021 - 31.12.2023 (Completed) |