Emergency Life-Saving Food Security and Nutrition Assistance for Vulnerable Women and Children Affected by Drought in Gubadley District, Banadir Region – Somalia
Donor: LM International
Implementing Partner: SOHDA Somalia
Project Duration: April – May 2026
Project Target
In response to worsening drought conditions, rising food insecurity and increasing displacement in Gubadley District, Banadir Region, the intervention targeted drought-affected internally displaced persons (IDPs) with priority given to vulnerable women, lactating mothers and children under five years of age who faced heightened risks of malnutrition, poor health outcomes and reduced access to basic services.
Project Impact
With support from LM International and implementation by SOHDA Somalia, the project delivered emergency food security and nutrition assistance to vulnerable displaced households residing in Gubadley IDP settlements. The intervention contributed to addressing immediate food consumption gaps, improving access to essential nutritional support and mitigating the adverse humanitarian impacts associated with recurrent drought and displacement.
The response enhanced the coping capacity of affected households while supporting the protection, dignity and wellbeing of women and children living in highly vulnerable conditions.
Key Results
Enhanced Household Food Security
On 11 May 2026, emergency food assistance was provided to 275 vulnerable households to support immediate food needs and reduce the severity of food insecurity among displaced families. Each household received:
Rice – 25 kg
White Flour – 25 kg
White Sugar – 5 kg
Cooking Oil – 3 litres
The food distribution contributed to improved household food consumption and helped vulnerable families mitigate the negative effects of prolonged drought, displacement and limited livelihood opportunities. The assistance also reduced reliance on harmful coping mechanisms commonly associated with acute food shortages.
Improved Nutritional Support for Children Under Five
On 22 May 2026, children under five years of age received emergency nutritional supplements aimed at preventing further nutritional deterioration and improving child wellbeing. Each child received:
5 kg of porridge
10 peanut biscuits
900 g nutritional powdered milk
2 kg of dates
The intervention improved access to nutrient-rich food supplements for children at heightened risk of malnutrition and contributed to strengthening community-level nutrition support for vulnerable households.
Protection and Dignity for Vulnerable Groups
The response prioritized vulnerable population groups, particularly lactating mothers, women and young children disproportionately affected by drought and displacement. By addressing urgent food and nutrition needs, the intervention contributed to reducing humanitarian vulnerabilities, restoring dignity and improving the overall wellbeing of displaced families living in overcrowded settlements with limited access to basic services.
Strengthened Community Resilience and Localized Response
Despite continued challenges linked to recurrent drought, displacement and inadequate humanitarian resources, the intervention provided timely and targeted assistance to affected communities in Gubadley District. Through community engagement and coordination with local humanitarian actors, the response strengthened locally led emergency action and reinforced collective efforts to support vulnerable populations across Somalia.
Overall Contribution
The project contributed to saving lives, reducing food insecurity and improving nutrition outcomes among drought-affected internally displaced households in Banadir Region. The intervention further supported community resilience and helped alleviate the immediate humanitarian consequences of drought among vulnerable women and children.
