On the outskirts of Galdogob in Puntland State, Somalia, Wardi Mohamed Hussein and her family have seen their living conditions improve through the country's first national safety net program. The Shock Responsive Safety Net for Human Capital Project (SNHCP), also called the Baxnaano Program, aims to support poor and vulnerable households with cash transfers. The initiative was set up by the Somali government with backing from the World Bank and the Somalia Multi-Partner Fund, and is carried out by the Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs.
The Baxnaano Program is a central part of Somalia’s efforts to reduce poverty. It currently provides monthly cash transfers to more than four million people across the country. Under normal circumstances, each household receives $20 per month, but this amount can increase up to $60 during emergencies such as droughts or floods.
For beneficiaries like Wardi Mohamed Hussein, these payments have brought tangible benefits. “I never imagined I would own a house,” she said. “We used to live in a makeshift hut. When it rained, everything got soaked. Now, I feel safe.” She described how receiving funds allowed her to purchase food, water, building materials for her home, and livestock. Her herd has grown from two goats to 18 since joining the program.
Before participating in Baxnaano, Wardi's family depended on irregular income from her husband’s daily labor. She said that having a steady source of money has made it possible for her to make decisions about their future: “Now, I can make my own decisions.” She added: “Having an income, even a small one, gives you dignity. I no longer have to wait for help. I can solve problems on my own and provide for my family with what I have.”
Beyond providing immediate financial support, SNHCP seeks to strengthen social protection systems in Somalia by connecting cash assistance with broader goals in health, education, nutrition and employment. The project also helps build institutional capacity through tools like beneficiary registries and secure payment systems.
Fardosa Abdullahi, Project Manager for Baxnaano, commented on the program’s broader impact: “This is not just a handout,” she said. “It’s about giving people the tools and trust to lead their own development. When women like Wardi save, invest, and make choices, that’s where resilience takes root.”
As Somalia faces ongoing challenges related to fragility and climate shocks, SNHCP’s approach aims to empower families so they are better prepared for future uncertainties.
This article was developed by Hussein Mohamed of the World Bank.