Somalis live in extremely challenging livelihood conditions: 43% of the population lives on less than US$1 a day; and 73% survive on less than US$2 a day¹. 65% of the population depend on remittances from relatives abroad, subsistence farming and livestock, with limited opportunity to earn wages. The fishery sector is under-developed and is penalized by poor conservation and transportation means.

Source: UNDP Somalia, 2005

The food security situation continues to deteriorate as a result of cumulative effects of cyclical and scarce rainfall, increased livestock asset losses, reduced number of marketable animals, decreased milk production and high cereals prices. Lack of alternative livelihood opportunities, together with scarce education and employment possibilities exacerbate the situation and heavily affect the population and the youth in particular.

CISP’s livelihood efforts

In 2009, CISP widened the scope of its work in central Somalia (Galgaduud and South Muduug) to support the livelihoods of vulnerable people in the agro-pastoralist, fishing and IDPs communities, living within a situation of chronic conflict and political instability. CISP’s objective in this field is to provide immediate emergency support, together with a durable solution in the agro-pastoralist and fishing sectors. In addition, CISP’s programme is directed to young Somali entrepreneurs who want to diversify their businesses or to start new income generating activities.

CISP's livelihood intervention map

> Click on the Map

See also CISP's Livelihood programme

See also Modulized Entrepreneurship Manual BISC

¹FNSAU 2010