“It was small but it was mine.” How a cash-for-work initiative helped Xaawo build a business in Somalia

Xaawo stands proudly in her grocery stall in Somalia
Xaawo stands proudly in her grocery stall, the Midnimo Retail Shop, in Jundullahi displacement camp in Somalia’s Deynille district. Photo: NoFYL/Jafar Bishar

Text by Jafar Bishar, NoFYL’s Communication Officer

“I still remember the feeling of unlocking my shop for the first time,” recalled Xaawo, 33, her face lighting up with a smile. “It was small but it was mine. That feeling gave me hope.”

Just a year ago, the thought of having her own business felt impossible for Xaawo, a mother of eight living in Jundullahi camp, in Somalia’s Deynille district. After being abandoned by her husband and losing most of her livestock to the country’s longest and most severe drought, Xaawo was left with nothing. She took on any work she could find – washing clothes, cleaning homes, cooking and even hauling heavy loads in the market. 

She explained: “I lived in debt and had no support from anyone, including my former husband. We had to skip some meals. I had no choice but to provide for my children.” 

That changed in early 2023, when the OCHA-managed Somalia Humanitarian Fund (SHF) allocated US$25 million to support communities hardest hit by the country’s worst drought in four decades. With this funding, local non-governmental organization Northern Frontier Youth League (NoFYL) launched a cash-for-work programme in Deynille to improve living conditions in displacement sites and give people a source of income. 

Xaawo was among the 600 people selected. Participants received monthly incentives in exchange for cleaning the camp and collecting garbage. 

In February 2024, with savings from the programme, Xaawo launched her business: Midnimo Retail Shop, a modest wooden grocery stall.

Xaawo (left) joins other participants in cleaning their displacement site in Deynille district, Somalia, as part of a cash-for-work programme supported by the Somalia Humanitarian Fund.
Xaawo (left) joins other participants in cleaning the displacement site in the Deyniile district as part of a cash-for-work programme supported by the Somalia Humanitarian Fund. 2024 Photo: NoFYL/Jafar Bishar

From surviving to thriving

In just 12 months, Xaawo’s grocery stall was flourishing. She used the income to expand her business with lunchtime meals and a phone charging service. Xaawo has since hired two other women from the camp to run the tea and snack section.

“These women were just like me a year ago – struggling, searching for a chance,” she said. “Now they earn a small income and don’t have to leave the camp in search of menial work. It makes me proud.”

Xaawo’s story has inspired many others in the camp. At least five other women who also participated in the cash-for-work programme have since launched their own businesses selling vegetables and second-hand clothes, and running tea kiosks. 

What began as a temporary income intervention has evolved into a foundation for long-term empowerment and community resilience.

Reflecting on her journey, Xaawo said: “I’m deeply grateful to NoFYL. Without the cash-for-work programme, I would still be carrying heavy loads at the market and wondering how to feed my children. Today I’m not only feeding them, but I’m creating opportunities for other women too.”

Localization

Efrah Abdi, Project Officer at NoFYL, said: "The support from the Somalia Humanitarian Fund has been a game-changer in strengthening locally led responses. It has allowed us to reach drought-affected communities with timely, dignified assistance that reflects their real needs, and support early recovery and resilience-building interventions in the most affected areas.” 

Efrah added: “Localization goes beyond principles – it's a practical solution, and it delivers real impact on the ground. SHF’s commitment to empowering local actors is helping to build stronger, more self-reliant communities."