Humanitarian Access Initiative
Improving Humanitarian Access in Somalia
Humanitarian access remains a major challenge in Somalia, especially in remote and conflict-affected areas. Many communities face challenges in accessing essential healthcare, WASH, and nutrition services due to insecurity, political instability, and logistical barriers. Finding ways to overcome these obstacles is urgently needed.
Caafimaad Plus, the largest health and nutrition consortium in Somalia, addresses these challenges through community engagement and capacity building. The initiative uses storytelling as a tool, so that community members share their experiences and highlight the ways they overcome difficulties. Open conversations between communities and between communities and humanitarian organizations strengthen connections, ensuring aid efforts respond more effectively.
This initiative places communities at the centre of humanitarian programming. First hand narratives from community members provide critical insight into local realities, helping aid organizations develop a deeper understanding of existing challenges, and at the same time building confidence, strengthening advocacy, and empowering communities to shape the services they need.
Training programs equip field staff and program managers with skills to facilitate meaningful discussions, creating a shared understanding of access challenges. Insights gathered from community dialogues inform reports and briefing notes shared with decision-makers, assisting community perspectives to shape policy and practice.
The Institute of Development Studies (IDS) at the University of Sussex plays a crucial role in supporting this work. With funding from EU Humanitarian Aid, IDS collaborates closely with the Caafimaad Plus Consortium, bringing expertise and innovative approaches to the initiative. This partnership bridges the gap between academic insights and frontline humanitarian efforts, ensuring strategies remain evidence-based and contextually relevant. Together, IDS and Caafimaad Plus strengthen the ability of Somali communities to influence how aid is designed and delivered, particularly in hard-to-reach areas.
The initiative aligns with broader humanitarian reforms at every level, including the UN OCHA Flagship Initiative, which promotes stronger community engagement Caafimaad Plus plays a key role in making that shift a reality.
Key contacts
Sarah Wilson
IDS support to Caafimaad+ CMU for the Humanitarian Access Initiative
- +44 7729 510275
- sarahvwilson@gmail.com
Ahmed Issack
Caafimaad+ Communication and Advocacy Coordinator