The Development Response to Displacement Impacts Project (DRDIP), initiated in 2017, aimed to enhance the living conditions of displaced populations and host communities in Djibouti, Ethiopia, and Kenya. In Djibouti, it focused on regions such as Obock and Ali Sabieh, which include villages like Ali-Addeh and Holl Holl.
The project concluded on June 30, 2024, having achieved its objectives in Djibouti. It improved access to schools, health facilities, and clean energy for over 110,000 people. DRDIP also created approximately 52,000 short-term jobs and assisted 5,600 individuals in increasing their incomes through grants, training, and agricultural support.
In Ali-Addeh, women formed local groups known as GEAs (Groupement d’Entraide par Affinités) to pool savings and provide interest-free loans for business ventures. Mariam Housein from Ali-Addeh recounted the challenges her children faced due to a lack of secondary education facilities nearby. She transformed a small clothing business into a successful handicraft shop with help from a local savings group.
The project expanded solar power capacity in Ali Addeh from 62.1KW to 340KW, providing electricity to 354 households. It also improved water supply networks and built sanitation facilities alongside a new secondary school.
Across refugee-hosting areas like Obock and Holl Holl, the initiative was implemented with the Djiboutian Social Development Agency (ADDS). Over 110,000 people benefited from enhanced basic services while about 54,000 gained access to renewable energy sources.
Mariam Housein expressed pride as her youngest children graduated from school and some became civil servants in Djibouti city. Her participation in a women's affinity group allowed her to grow her business significantly.
In Holl Holl village, Fatoumata Assoweh Warsame utilized solar-powered irrigation pumps provided by DRDIP to reduce costs and increase farm production. This enabled her to open a shop selling produce.
Mariam continued expanding her business beyond Ali Addeh by opening additional shops managed by family members. She now sells products during national events in Djibouti city and seeks permanent retail space there.