Horn International Relief and Development Organization (HIRDO) implements inclusive cash assistance programmes to address food insecurity, economic vulnerability, and the humanitarian needs of crisis-affected communities across Somalia. These interventions prioritize older people, persons with disabilities, women-headed households, internally displaced persons (IDPs), and other vulnerable groups affected by drought, displacement, and economic shocks.
HIRDO's cash assistance programmes are designed to improve access to food, essential household needs, healthcare, and protection services while strengthening dignity, resilience, and household coping capacities. The organization applies community-based targeting approaches and promotes accountability, inclusion, and transparency throughout programme implementation.
Programme Interventions (2022–2026)
HIRDO has delivered three rounds of cash assistance across multiple years — each building on the last to reach more vulnerable households with flexible, dignified, and inclusive support.
Anticipatory Drought Response
January – February 2026 · Kahda & Daynile Districts, Benadir RegionHIRDO implemented an inclusive anticipatory drought response in Kahda and Daynile districts, reaching vulnerable households through a multi-sectoral intervention designed to reduce the anticipated impact of drought before conditions worsened — combining cash transfers, NFI support, and early warning systems.
- Unconditional multipurpose cash assistance for 250 vulnerable households
- Distribution of age- and disability-friendly NFI kits to 126 households
- Establishment of inclusive early warning and preparedness systems for 220 households
- Strengthening community resilience, preparedness, and access to basic services
- Promotion of Accountability to Affected Populations (AAP) and community participation
- Implementation aligned with SPHERE standards and Cash Working Group (CWG) guidelines
Emergency Cash Assistance
2025 · Kahda District, Benadir RegionHIRDO implemented a multipurpose emergency cash assistance programme in Kahda District, improving household purchasing power and enabling families to meet urgent food, health, and essential household needs. The programme prioritized older people, persons with disabilities, and women-headed households.
- Improved household purchasing power and access to food and essential services
- Reduced negative coping strategies among the most vulnerable households
- Strengthened household resilience during the crisis period
- Priority targeting of older people, persons with disabilities, and women-headed households
Drought Emergency Cash Response
2022 · Kahda & Heliwa Districts, Benadir RegionDuring Somalia's severe drought emergency, HIRDO provided unconditional cash transfers to drought-affected households in Kahda and Heliwa districts. The intervention targeted highly vulnerable groups — including older people, persons with disabilities, and women-headed households — to help them meet urgent basic needs during the crisis.
- Improved household food security and purchasing power during the drought crisis
- Reduced reliance on harmful coping mechanisms
- Enhanced dignity and flexibility for vulnerable families
- Strengthened resilience among drought-affected communities
HIRDO's Approach
HIRDO's cash assistance programmes are grounded in community participation, accountability, and inclusion — ensuring that the most vulnerable households are reached with flexible, dignified support that addresses their priority needs.
Inclusive Community-Based Targeting
HIRDO uses participatory, community-based targeting approaches, working with community leaders and local structures to identify the most vulnerable households with attention to age, disability, gender, and displacement status.
Anticipatory & Early Action
HIRDO acts before crises peak, delivering cash and NFI support early to reduce harm, preserve assets, and strengthen resilience before droughts or floods intensify.
Age, Gender & Disability Inclusion
All programmes are designed to be accessible, including disability-friendly kits, safe distribution points, and removing barriers for older people and vulnerable groups.
Accountability & Quality Standards
All interventions follow SPHERE, CHS and CWG guidelines with strong feedback mechanisms ensuring accountability to affected populations throughout all programme cycles.
Overall Impact
Improved household food security and purchasing power across all programme cycles
Enhanced dignity, flexibility, and resilience among vulnerable households
Reduced reliance on negative and harmful coping mechanisms
Strengthened community resilience and preparedness for future shocks
