10.5 million Somalis (54%) live below the poverty line
30% of under-25s are unemployed
Over half of families saw their incomes reduced in the record drought of 2021-23
Saving and changing lives
For many Somali families, unstable incomes, drought, conflict, and lack of opportunity make it difficult to meet even basic needs. Without sustainable income, families struggle to feed their children, pay for schooling, and access basic services.
At Zamzam, we believe that true change comes when people have the tools and support to earn a living — not just once, but over the long term. Our Livelihoods programme is designed to help families build stable, dignified, and self-reliant futures.
Livelihoods support in action
Zamzam’s Livelihoods programme works on multiple levels to support individuals, families, and communities:
- Small business grants and start-up support
We offer small grants or interest-free loans to families so they can launch income-generating activities — like small shops, tailoring, livestock rearing, or trading — helping them build stable livelihoods. - Vocational training and skills development
We provide vocational training — tailoring, carpentry, agriculture, mechanics, and more — equipping individuals (especially youth and women) with practical skills that translate into ongoing income. - Agriculture and farming support
In rural areas, our main focus is on supporting agricultural livelihoods — distributing seeds, tools, and livestock; helping families farm or rear livestock sustainably, even in challenging environments. - Livelihood diversification and resilience building
For households vulnerable to climate shocks, drought and displacement, we help diversify income sources. This reduces dependence on a single income stream, and increases resilience against crises. - Support for women, youth and vulnerable groups
We prioritise support for orphans, female-headed households, widows, internally displaced people (IDPs), and young people — giving them opportunities to earn a stable income and regain dignity.
Livelihoods support in action
Break the cycle of poverty
Enable families to stand on their own feet
Give children stability and hope for the future
Build community resilience against economic, environmental and social shocks.
Owning my own moto-taxi
Since the death of his parents, 24-year-old Abdirahman Farah Abdullahi has been the main breadwinner in a family of 11 orphans – six sisters and five brothers.
Abdirahman sets out each day to earn a living by driving a taxi around the dusty streets of the capital city, Mogadishu. His taxi is a three-wheeled tuc-tuc given to him by Zamzam in 2023 through our livelihoods programme, which encourages and supports small business enterprises with grants and microfinance loans.
“I had previously relied on renting a moto-taxi, and this limited my earnings and my autonomy,” Abdirahman says. “Now that I own a taxi outright, I can provide for my family and pursue my goals with greater confidence and security.”
