Rapid Appraisal of Resilience to Internal Displacement in Benadir Region, Somalia

The study aimed to assess the resilience of internally displaced persons (IDPs) in the region and identify key stakeholders involved in addressing vulnerability to internal displacement. Benadir Region is the nucleus of internal displacement in Somalia, with a long coastal area providing opportunities for fishing as an alternative livelihood strategy. The region hosts the capital city, Mogadishu, and is home to humanitarian agencies and civil society. The study found that internal displacement in Somalia is an adaptation medium, with communities continually displaced due to environmental challenges such as cyclical droughts and floods, as well as conflict resulting from sociocultural, political, and economic factors. The study identified key stakeholders involved in addressing vulnerability to internal displacement, including the Banaadir Regional Administration, the administration of districts of Hodan, Wadajir, and Hamarweyne, and humanitarian agencies. The study also highlighted the importance of addressing the root causes of internal displacement, including environmental degradation, conflict, and poverty. The rapid appraisal used a mixed-methods approach, combining qualitative and quantitative data collection and analysis methods. The study involved focus group discussions with IDPs, community leaders, and other stakeholders, as well as a review of existing literature and data on internal displacement in Somalia. The study found that IDPs in Benadir Region face significant challenges, including limited access to basic services such as healthcare, education, and sanitation. The study also found that IDPs have limited economic opportunities, with many relying on informal livelihoods such as fishing and small-scale trade. The study identified several key resilience factors, including social capital, community networks, and access to basic services. The study also highlighted the importance of addressing the psychosocial well-being of IDPs, who often experience trauma and stress as a result of displacement. The study's findings have implications for policymakers and practitioners working to address internal displacement in Somalia. The study highlights the need for a comprehensive approach to addressing the root causes of internal displacement, including environmental degradation, conflict, and poverty. The study also emphasizes the importance of addressing the psychosocial well-being of IDPs and providing access to basic services and economic opportunities. The study's resilience framework, which was developed in collaboration with the ResilientAfrica Network (RAN), provides a useful tool for policymakers and practitioners working to address internal displacement in Somalia. The framework identifies key resilience factors and provides a framework for understanding the complex relationships between these factors and internal displacement. Overall, the study provides valuable insights into the resilience of IDPs in Benadir Region, Somalia, and highlights the need for a comprehensive approach to addressing internal displacement in the country. The study's findings have implications for policymakers and practitioners working to address internal displacement in Somalia and provide a useful tool for understanding the complex relationships between internal displacement and resilience.