Originally from Awdheegle District along the Shabelle River in the Lower Shabelle Region, Daahiro was forced to flee her home because of the dual crises of drought and conflict. The loss of her livestock left her family without their main source of income and stability.

“My livestock were not just animals; they were a source of life, a connection to both my land and my identity,” Daahiro recalls, reflecting on the impact of these climate-related shocks on her family.

Navigating the challenges of new life

The journey to Elasha Biyaha was not easy. Seeking safety and assistance, Daahiro fled with her family and ten grandchildren, a journey that took two days to reach here. Moving from rural life to an informal settlement brought new challenges: limited public services, difficulty accessing food, clean water, and proper shelter, and rising costs of education and medical care.

As her husband grew older and could no longer work, the responsibility of providing for the family fell entirely on Daahiro. The situation became even more difficult after two of her sons passed away, leaving her to care for their children with limited support.

“I found myself as the head of the family. Every day became a fight for survival,” she says with quiet determination.

Newfound source of nutrition for children

Hope emerged when the community leader and a team from Aridlife Development Agency, a local partner of SOS Children’s Villages, visited Daahiro to assess her needs. The visit marked the start of a change, as she later enrolled in the livestock restocking assistance programme.

Three months later, Daahiro received ten goats, four of which were pregnant. She smiles as she describes what this meant for her family. “Within days, two goats gave birth, and I felt a sense of responsibility to care for the animals so I could provide for my grandchildren.”

The goats now provide fresh milk and improved nutrition for the household, helping her prepare familiar meals and restore a sense of stability. As Daahiro shares, “We milk the goats in the morning and evening. I use the milk to feed my small grandchildren and also add tea and maize flour, which is a delicious traditional evening dish. Since then, I have seen my grandchildren are nourished well; a big relief for us as we could not afford to buy milk from local shops.”

Daahiro also participated in animal husbandry training. The sessions reinforced her existing knowledge of animal care and introduced improved animal health practices. By applying what she learned, she has helped ensure the health and productivity of her small herd of goats.

Daahiro milks one of the goats she received to provide nourishment for her grandchildren in Elasha Biyaha, Afgooye District

Holding on as the drought deepens

However, the ongoing drought continues to affect the region. With limited pasture available, Daahiro now spends approximately $3 per day on maize stalks for fodder, a significant expense.

“It is becoming increasingly difficult,” she explains. Yet she remains hopeful. She dreams of expanding her herd and, if conditions improve, eventually returning to the countryside. “When the rains come, I want to move back and let them graze freely,” she says.

“Losing my livestock to the drought was very hard to accept.” Daahiro reflects. “Today, you have helped me rebuild what was lost and reconnect with a way of life I have known all my life. I am grateful for the support.

Walking the path to recovery

Daahiro's goat feeds on maize stalks at her home in Elasha Biyaha, Afgooye District

Daahiro’s journey illustrates how timely, targeted support can help families regain stability and strengthen their ability to care for children. By empowering caregivers like her, our work not only addresses immediate needs but also contributes to longer-term resilience.

Today, Daahiro remains a respected figure in her community, a grandmother determined to provide for her grandchildren and restore her family’s livelihood. Her story is a reminder that, even in the face of displacement and hardship, resilience combined with the right support can open pathways toward recovery and renewed hope.

Daahiro is one of 60 vulnerable households supported with livestock in the first year of the project, a first step toward reaching 300 families over five years. What began as a simple intervention has become a pathway to dignity, stability, and renewed hope. This transformation would not have been possible without the generous support of the Norwegian Agency for Development Cooperation (NORAD) and SOS Children’s Villages Norway, whose partnership is helping families like Daahiro’s rebuild their lives at a time when they need it most.