Provide Immediate Relief: Deliver Emergency Cash Transfers (ECTs) to the most vulnerable households impacted by locust outbreaks.
Safety Net for Locust Response Project (SNLRP)
The Safety Net for Locust Response Project (SNLRP) was launched by the Federal Government of Somalia, spearheaded by the Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs (MoLSA), as a response to the devastating locust infestations that significantly impacted food security and livelihoods. With support from the World Bank, this comprehensive, multi-phase initiative has made remarkable progress in safeguarding vulnerable communities, enhancing disaster preparedness, and fortifying social protection systems across Somalia.
Project Objectives
The Safety Net for Locust Response Project sought to:
Strengthen Social Systems: Enhance the Unified Social Registry (USR) to improve data collection and ensure effective targeting for future interventions.
Support Sustainable Livelihoods: Empower communities to retain productive assets, recover economically, and reduce dependency on external aid.
Key Achievements
Emergency Cash Transfers (ECTs)
Safety Net for Locust Response Project cash transfer initiative was a lifeline for over 264,000 households in 62 districts. By prioritizing households impacted by locust infestations, the project achieved:
- Direct Support: $40 to $60 monthly cash transfers tailored to meet the urgent needs of households.
- Broad Reach: Assistance extended to flood-affected households, demonstrating flexibility in responding to overlapping crises.
- Overachievement: Exceeded its initial target by covering 1.59 million beneficiaries, surpassing expectations by 102%.
Unified Social Registry (USR)
The USR became a cornerstone for targeted interventions:
- Massive Coverage: Registered 574,898 households, representing 18% of Somalia’s population.
- Enhanced Targeting: Enabled the identification of 33,000 flood-affected households for rapid assistance in 2024.
- Economic Milestone: Facilitated Somalia’s achievement of the Heavily Indebted Poor Countries (HIPC) Initiative completion point.
Testimonial 1
Testimonial by Amina
I am deeply impressed by the remarkable efforts of the Baxnaano Project in responding to the recent locust invasion that affected our region. As a community that has faced the devastating consequences of this infestation, we are incredibly grateful for the proactive and organized approach Baxnaano has taken to address the crisis
Impact on Communities
The Safety Net for Locust Response Project not only addressed immediate needs but also catalyzed broader socio-economic improvements:
Food Security
- Quantitative and Qualitative Gains: 90% of beneficiaries reported improvements in the quantity and quality of food.
Economic Stability
- Asset Protection: 70% of households retained vital productive assets.
- Debt Management: 44% of households used transfers to settle debts, reducing financial stress.
Access to Services
- Education and Healthcare: Cash assistance enabled 38% of households to cover school fees and 35% to access medical services.
Productive Investments
- Livelihood Resilience: Beneficiaries reinvested in farming tools, livestock, and small businesses, fostering long-term economic recovery.
Challenges and Mitigation
Despite its successes, the SNLRP faced significant challenges:
- Oversubscription: The overwhelming demand necessitated additional funding and careful resource allocation.
- Security and Accessibility: Seasonal migration and conflict hindered data collection and cash delivery in some areas.
- Public Awareness: Initial gaps in beneficiary knowledge about transfer schedules and grievance mechanisms highlighted the need for improved communication strategies.
Through adaptive measures, such as engaging local partners and leveraging technology, MoLSA successfully navigated these obstacles.
Conclusion
The Safety Net for Locust Response Project not only mitigated the devastating effects of locust infestations but also laid a foundation for long-term resilience in Somalia. By addressing immediate needs, empowering communities, and strengthening social systems, the SNLRP has emerged as a model for shock-responsive safety nets. As Somalia continues to face challenges, the lessons from SNLRP will guide future interventions, ensuring that vulnerable communities remain protected and empowered.