Enhanced Targeting Approaches: Refine Proxy Means Testing (PMT) criteria to incorporate climate-specific vulnerabilities and broader indicators of shock-affected populations.
Safety Net for Human Capital Project (SNHCP): A Lifeline for Somalia’s Families
The Safety Net for Human Capital Project (SNHCP) is revolutionizing Somalian social protection, by addressing key challenges related to health, nutrition, livelihoods, education and community engagement. SNHCP empowers Somalia’s most vulnerable by providing cash assistance, nutritional support and educational opportunities that build resilience while stimulating sustainable growth.
As a beneficiary of the Safety Net for Human Capital Project (SNHCP), I am deeply grateful for the transformative impact this initiative has had on my family and our community. Living in a vulnerable region of Somalia, where resources are scarce and daily challenges are overwhelming, the support provided by SNHCP has been nothing short of life-changing.
~ Abdi
We Have Made Somali Better
Key Impacts of the Safety Net for Human Capital Project (SNHCP)
The Safety Net for Human Capital Project (SNHCP) is a transformative initiative created to meet the critical challenges facing vulnerable communities in Somalia. By providing cash assistance alongside essential services like health, nutrition, education, livelihood support, SNHCP provides an integrated approach towards building resilience and encouraging sustainable development.
SNHCP’s efforts have far-reaching effects that extend far beyond individual households; from aiding families in combatting malnutrition to supporting communities rebuild livelihoods and invest in education – their impact can be felt across the entire nation, driving long-term growth and stability for generations to come.
With its focus on transparency, community engagement and inclusivity, the program ensures support reaches those most in need while encouraging local populations to take control of their futures.
Phase 1 Highlights
Impact on Health & Nutrition
Somalia, with its persistent food insecurity and malnutrition issues, is in desperate need of the Safety Net for Human Capital Project (SNHCP), which offers nutrition-sensitive cash assistance with access to health and nutrition services. Targeting over 200,000 vulnerable households – particularly those with children under five – this innovative program uses cash assistance combined with access to health services to address immediate food needs while also tackling underlying health challenges – while simultaneously empowering families to prioritize balanced meals that support children’s growth and resilience. Engaging local leaders and committees helps ensure support reaches those most in need while building community trust within communities.
SNHCP’s impact stretches well beyond individual households; its effects reverberate through entire communities. Improved nutrition among children has reduced severe malnutrition cases, freeing local health services to focus on preventive care and chronic health conditions rather than emergency treatments. By strengthening links between cash assistance and health facilities, this program fosters community awareness of health and nutrition resources; creating long-term well-being while building healthier and more resilient communities.
Testimonial 1
– Amina, Mother of Three, Rural Somalia
The Safety Net for Human Capital Project (SNHCP) has been a game-changer for my family. As a mother of three, I was constantly worried about feeding my children and providing them with proper healthcare. Thanks to the program, we received cash assistance that helped us buy nutritious food, and we now have access to health services that have improved my children’s health.
Impact on Livelihood
Somalia, with its high prevalence of food insecurity and malnutrition, relies on its Safety Net for Human Capital Project (SNHCP) for support. Aimed at providing lifelines to over 200,000 vulnerable households – especially those with children under five – the program combines nutrition-sensitive cash assistance with access to health services for an integrated approach that addresses immediate food needs while tackling deeper health challenges, helping families prioritize nutritious, balanced meals that support children’s growth and resilience while building community trust. By engaging local leaders and committees as guide eligibility and distribution committees the program ensures support reaches all those most in need while building community trust within communities.
SNHCP’s effect extends far beyond individual households; it has rippled throughout communities as a whole. Improved nutrition among children reduces severe malnutrition cases, freeing local health services to focus more on preventive care and chronic condition management than emergency treatments. Furthermore, by strengthening cash assistance’s link with health facilities this program enhances awareness of health and nutrition resources within communities as a whole, thus building healthier, more resilient societies in the long term.
Before the Safety Net for Human Capital Project (SNHCP), life was a daily struggle. My family faced constant food shortages, and the stress of not knowing where our next meal would come from made it hard to focus on anything else. With the support from SNHCP, we've seen a dramatic change. The cash assistance allowed me to buy food that not only nourished my children but also gave me the stability to focus on my livelihood.
– Fatima
Small Business Owner, Somalia
Impact on Education
SNHCP’s primary objective has been food security and economic resilience; however, its reach has extended into education by alleviating financial strains that often contribute to school dropouts. As finances tighten for many households, school fees, transportation costs, and other related education-related costs can become insurmountable barriers to keeping children enrolled in school. SNHCP’s cash transfer initiative has provided families with the financial flexibility needed to cover essential school-related expenses, which has resulted in increased school attendance among children living in households that might otherwise have dropped out due to financial concerns. This intervention has had a remarkable effect on increasing enrollment numbers of households that may otherwise have experienced hardship and been forced out.
Cash transfers not only assist families with the payment of school-related expenses, but have also allowed them to reduce reliance on emergency coping mechanisms. Families no longer need to resort to withdrawing children from school in order to engage in income-generating activities – an often employed strategy by households in poverty-stricken conditions. Financial support from this program has created a more stable household environment and allowed parents to focus on long-term economic recovery strategies instead of immediate survival needs. Families have been able to better plan for the future thanks to regular cash transfers, providing stability that enables their children to focus on their studies without feeling pressured to contribute financially to household income.
Impact on the Community
The Safety Net for Human Capital Project (SNHCP) has increased community involvement, transparency, and ownership in social protection initiatives through a community-driven approach. Establishing Community Selection Committees (CSCs) was critical in ensuring fair and accurate targeting of vulnerable families while building trust. Additionally, an effective complaints and feedback mechanism (CFM) enabled communities to report grievances and monitor program performance. Between 2020 and September 2024, numerous complaints were resolved quickly with most issues relating to cash entitlements or implementation processes being promptly addressed by this transparent system – building accountability while strengthening community trust in the project.
SNHCP implemented a radio-based initiative with WFP and RAAGSAN to increase community engagement, featuring live discussions in local dialects designed to raise awareness about Baxnaano program initiatives and wider social protection policies. Post-broadcast surveys indicated increased understanding across five states. MoLSA and WFP implemented an exit communication plan so as to keep communities informed on program progress and future phases, maintaining transparency and trust as the project evolved.
Shock Response Impact
SNHCP’s primary objective has been food security and economic resilience; however, its reach has extended into education by alleviating financial strains that often contribute to school dropouts. As finances tighten for many households, school fees, transportation costs, and other related education-related costs can become insurmountable barriers to keeping children enrolled in school. SNHCP’s cash transfer initiative has provided families with the financial flexibility needed to cover essential school-related expenses, which has resulted in increased school attendance among children living in households that might otherwise have dropped out due to financial concerns. This intervention has had a remarkable effect on increasing enrollment numbers of households that may otherwise have experienced hardship and been forced out.
Cash transfers not only assist families with the payment of school-related expenses, but have also allowed them to reduce reliance on emergency coping mechanisms. Families no longer need to resort to withdrawing children from school in order to engage in income-generating activities – an often employed strategy by households in poverty-stricken conditions. Financial support from this program has created a more stable household environment and allowed parents to focus on long-term economic recovery strategies instead of immediate survival needs. Families have been able to better plan for the future thanks to regular cash transfers, providing stability that enables their children to focus on their studies without feeling pressured to contribute financially to household income.
Expansion of Coverage and Inclusivity
Future Plans In Subsequent Phases
Expanded Coverage: Increase the number of enrolled households beyond initial targets to address missed registrations and ensure inclusivity.
Strengthened Government Systems: Build on the Unified Social Registry (USR) for more accurate, scalable targeting, including biometric integration for identity verification.
Complementary Services: Link cash transfers with nutrition, health, education, and livelihood support to enhance long-term resilience.
Improved Community Engagement: Expand local outreach efforts through participatory feedback mechanisms, town halls, and enhanced communication strategies to strengthen trust and accountability.