Hope and Stability Through the Nagaad Project

The relentless challenges of climate shocks — like drought and floods — and ongoing conflict have driven thousands of Somalis from their rural homes to urban areas in search of essential resources and humanitarian aid. These displaced individuals often find themselves in overcrowded camps or informal settlements, where unclear land ownership leaves them vulnerable to forced evictions. 

Among them is 27-year-old Maymoun Abdi Abdullahi, a mother of two, who fled her home in Belet-Mudug due to the devastating effects of drought. “I feared my children would suffer from hunger and malnutrition,” she shared. “I left because there was nothing left.” 

Maymoun and her family settled in Jilib Camp 3 in Garowe, Puntland State, Somalia, only to face new hardships. The improvised shelters offered little protection against harsh weather, and they were faced with the challenge of insecurity, as opportunists targeted the vulnerable.  

Without legal land rights, eviction loomed as a constant threat. “Sometimes we had to pay rent,” Maymoun recalled, “and other times we relied on the goodwill of landowners who could sell the land at any time.” 

In a bid to provide stability and better living conditions for the residents of Jilib Camp, the Garowe Municipality allocated land in Hoodale to relocate these families. This initiative, part of the Nagaad Project funded by the World Bank through the Federal Government of Somalia and implemented by the International Organization for Migration (IOM), offers long-term land tenure and access to essential services, aiming to bring about a more secure future for displaced families. 

Maymoun held a title deed to her plot of land — an anchor of stability and ownership. 

A primary school was also built in Hoodale, accommodating up to 720 students; for Maymoun, who dreams of a bright future for her children, this is a monumental change. “I’ve always wanted my children to get the best education,” she explained. “Now, it’s possible.” 

Additionally, displaced persons participated in a cash-for-work initiative, earning income while contributing to the development of their new community. They helped demarcate plots, clear bushes, and construct shelters, fostering a sense of ownership and pride in their new homes. 

For Maymoun and other families from Jilib Camp 3, the journey to Hoodale marks a turning point —a story of resilience, strength, and renewal. With secure land, sturdy homes, and access to education and livelihoods, they are building a future filled with stability and opportunity.