In a small coastal village in the Jariban District of Somalia's Mudug Region, 45-year-old Nafisa* is raising 12 children on her own. She runs a small shop to support her family's daily needs, but making ends meet has become increasingly difficult, with climate shocks and a cascade of personal hardship pressing in from every direction.
"Our village has been greatly affected by climate change. The prolonged drought has caused the loss of livestock, which has made it difficult for us to get milk and meat for our business. Fewer customers are able to buy from us due to the impact of this crisis, adding to the challenges we already face," says Nafisa.
"Every day is a struggle for me. I wake up thinking about what my children will eat today, and how I can support their education. We manage to find something to eat, but it's often barely enough," she says.
Although Nafisa has done everything possible to keep her family together, life has forced her into painful choices. Her husband, once a fisherman, lost his income as fishing declined and turned to casual labour. When his brother died of cancer and left unpaid debts behind, the financial burden became insurmountable, and he was arrested by creditors, leaving Nafisa to provide for her children alone.
It was during a pregnancy that Nafisa's situation began to turn. Visiting the village health center for antenatal check-ups, she was identified as an expectant mother in need and enrolled in a cash transfer program for pregnant women. The support - $60 per month for four months, followed by $20 monthly for five months - brought immediate relief.
"This cash transfer has changed our lives. I could pay family bills and some school fees. My small shop doesn't generate much income, and many customers buy on credit. So this additional money has covered many needs we couldn't meet before, especially since we receive no other form of assistance," says Nafisa.
Through this support, Nafisa has been able to keep her school-age children enrolled and cover essential household costs. The health center connected to the program has also given her access to critical information and services for her newborn.
"The health center is a blessing. Every Thursday, they educate us on the importance of breastfeeding right after birth and how breast milk acts as medicine for the baby. Above all that, the center provides essential medical services, including vaccinations for both children and mothers," she says.
"When school opens, the grant goes to fees. During school breaks, it helps cover our utilities - water and electricity bills, which are substantial for our large family," says Nafisa.
Despite the scale of her challenges, Nafisa has not let go of the future she wants for her children.
"I hold on to hope for my children's future. I want them to have a good life. Without this cash assistance, my child would be without education," she says.
* Name changed to protect identity.
Project information
The Child Sensitive Social Protection Programming (CSSP) in Times of Drought project is implemented by Save the Children as part of the Somali Cash Consortium. Funded by UNICEF with financing from German development bank KfW, the project delivers monthly cash transfers to pregnant and lactating women in Jariiban District, Puntland. Beneficiaries receive USD 20 per month, with a USD 40 top-up during the first four months. The first transfers were disbursed in December 2023, with the project running through September 2025. Alongside cash support, the program delivers scheduled health messaging to women on pregnancy care, infant nutrition, and the importance of regular health center visits.
