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USAID Information:
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Somalia
The Development Challenge: Somalia has been without a central government since 1991, and there have been numerous failed attempts at reconciliation. Ongoing peace talks in Kenya, led by a regional organization, the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), repeatedly stalled during 2003. Civil unrest is the primary obstacle to economic growth and development in Somalia. Somalia's dynamic trade and transportation sectors have helped to keep the nation's economy afloat during years of crisis and civil war. However, the absence of effective regulation or systematic oversight, either by Somalia or the countries with which it trades, has generated diverse opportunities for trafficking in arms and contraband.
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Export earnings continue to drop following a livestock ban imposed in September 2000 by countries in the Arabian Peninsula because of inadequate animal health control and certification procedures in Somalia. Remittances make up a substantial segment of the economy, but in the absence of a banking system, Somalis working outside the country have a difficult time sending money home, especially following the closure of Al Barakat in 2002, formerly Somalia's largest remittance company. Severe environmental degradation resulting from the combined effects of poverty and post-war breakdown of natural resource management continues to dramatically undermine food security. While there are many incidences of environmental degradation (e.g., fishing exploitation, water contamination, etc.), charcoal production (especially for export) is of particular concern due to the widespread deforestation of the main livestock fodder tree. In addition, insecurity and reduced assets over time have made communities more vulnerable to seasonal climate cycles that result in reduced food production.
Infant and child mortality rates are among the highest in the world. Diarrhoeal disease-related dehydration, respiratory infections, and malaria account for more than half of all child deaths. Malnutrition is chronic and appears in acute forms in areas of drought, flooding and localized conflict. Somalia also reports one of the highest maternal mortality rates in the world caused by poor antenatal, delivery, and postnatal care and limited obstetric facilities. Female genital cutting, affecting up to 95% of girls, is an underlying cause of maternal death and is a serious violation of child rights. Cholera is endemic and occurs on a seasonal basis. Water availability and access is a critical problem and a cause for both conflict and internal migration.
U.S. national interests are clear: Stability and security will not be achieved in the greater Horn of Africa region without an end to conflict and Somali support for terrorism. U.S. policy is to encourage the return of Somalia to the international community. The United States and its allies combat extremism in Somalia by taking an active role in the peace process and with humanitarian assistance and support for long-term economic, social and democratic development.
The USAID Program: USAID assistance to Somalia works for a more secure, less vulnerable Somalia. The three main objectives of the program are: to strengthen local governance and conflict mitigation, to provide for more productive livelihoods, and to respond to critical needs for vulnerable groups. The first two objectives, funded through Development Assistance and Economic Support Funds, focus on strengthening the capacity of civil society organizations, enhancing the institutional foundation for the rule of law, and promoting economic opportunities by improving basic education, rehabilitating infrastructure and supporting small economic initiatives that enhance alternative energy use. The third objective is supported primarily by humanitarian assistance, including P.L. 480 food aid.
Other Program Elements: USAID uses Development Assistance, Economic Support Funds, International Disaster Assistance, and food assistance to implement an Integrated Strategic Plan (ISP). USAID's humanitarian assistance and P.L. 480 food aid are targeted at meeting the critical needs of vulnerable groups. Office of Foreign Disaster Assistance (OFDA) support is devoted to supplementary nutrition programs, re-establishment of infant growth monitoring, rehabilitation of health facilities, provision of essential medicines, immunization programs, rehabilitation of water resources, and logistical support throughout vulnerable areas of Somalia. P.L. 480 food aid helps vulnerable populations in northern and southern Somalia, through support to food-for-work activities, school feeding, and direct emergency distributions.
Other Donors: Donor coordination in Somalia is facilitated by a unique and effective mechanism known as the Somalia Aid Coordination Body (SACB) that was founded following the departure of the UN peacekeeping force in 1994 and has evolved into a network of technical advisory committees. USAID is a key participant in the SACB and provides funding to its Secretariat through the United Nations Development Program. The coordination group is made up of donors, UN agencies and non-governmental organizations and provides a framework for a common approach to the allocation of aid resources in Somalia. It recommends how aid should be distributed in Somalia and focuses on key areas for rehabilitation.
Somalia receives aid from several multilateral and bilateral sources. In recent years the European Union has been the largest donor to Somalia. The European Union provides assistance in primary health care, rural development, livestock production and marketing, and irrigation infrastructure. The United States has generally been the largest bilateral donor. Other major donors include Italy, Japan, Sweden, Norway, the Netherlands, Britain, and Denmark. Minor donors include Canada, Finland, Germany and Egypt. Several UN agencies, particularly the United Nations Development Program and United Nations Children's Fund, provide assistance as well.
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