Adey's story

Displaced mother of seven finds new hope for her family

Adey Abdullahi Mad Nor, 35, is a single mother living with her 7 children (4 daughters and 3 sons) in an internally displaced persons (IDP) camp in southern Somalia. The children’s father passed away, leaving Adey to raise the children on a meager and uncertain farming income.  When recurrent drought dried up her land and the threat of famine loomed, she was forced to flee to the Bodan IDP camp in Baidoa. She built a makeshift house to give her children a place to call home.  However, with minimal resources and lack of access to basic resources such as clean water and healthcare, her family was struggling to survive.  

With the weight of uncertainty on her shoulders, Adey was excited when was selected to participate in a USAID poverty alleviation project. As part of this initiative, she received 5 goats and training on animal husbandry (including feeding, animal health, and breeding). Goats are adapted to the local environment and reproduce quickly, which could help her give her children better nutritional options and provide an income for the family. 

Over the next two years, Adey's herd grew, and now she has 12 goats. The goats provided her with a sustainable source of milk and butter, which improved the nutrition and health of her family. She started making goat milk into butter for her family to eat and to sell on the local market. 

Adey also participates in Village Loans and Savings Association (VSLA) where she can take loans and support her children’s education. As part of her membership in the VSLA, Adey also received training on financial literacy and business development to help build her business and increase her savings. 

Adey’s inspiring journey from extreme poverty to economic empowerment showcases the transformative impact of USAID’s resilience-focused approach to poverty reduction. After years of living hand to mouth, Adey was able to break free from the cycle of extreme poverty and start building a sustainable future for her family. 

USAID has also provided farming tools and training on agricultural best practices to help households reestablish livelihoods lost in the drought and supported vocational training in industries such as hospitality and carpentry to assist individuals in building resilient new livelihoods.

Across Somalia, USAID’s Bureau for Humanitarian Assistance provides humanitarian assistance, including food, health, livelihood, nutrition, protection, shelter, and water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) support. USAID continues to work with our partners—active in nearly every district of Somalia—to meet urgent needs on the ground and build community resilience to future shocks.