Rural Displacement and its Implications on Livelihoods: The Case Study of Inter-riverine Communities in Southern Somalia

Abstract

Displacement has been frequent and prevalent in Somalia since the 1970s; few years after Siad Barre came to power. The number of internally displaced persons (IDPs) in Somalia is quite staggering. About 2.6 million Somalis live in protracted displacement, facing severe problems, including indiscriminate killings, forced evictions, sexual violence, and limited access to essential services. More than 20 years of conflict, combined with recurrent droughts and challenging livelihoods in the rural areas of Somalia, has caused a mixed situation of displacement and migration ranging from voluntary to forced migration patterns. Recurrent drought, competition for natural resources, and poor living conditions contribute to fighting in rural areas, causing people to flee to Mogadishu and other urban areas. Most of the IDPs in Mogadishu originate from the inter-riverine regions of southern Somalia and belong to weak clans such as Digile-Mirifle and the Bantu Minority groups. Therefore, this research sought to investigate drivers of rural displacement in Somalia, giving particular focus to the people from the inter-riverine areas and how displacement and land expropriation affected their livelihoods. The research used a qualitative approach to collect a detailed and in-depth understanding of displacement, its causes, and patterns in Somalia. The qualitative data was collected through observations, unstructured interviews, and focus group interviews. The interview targeted a sample population of 44 participants to help inform the study objectives and aims. Somalia is often seen as the scene of unceasing violence and insecurity after the fall of the state. However, the study shows that the interplay between conflict and displacement has seen various stages, modifications, and evolutions. The study has also shown that most of the internally displaced people in Mogadishu came from the inter-riverine areas of southern Somalia, who left their origin places for various reasons. Some said that they were forced to leave their due to clan conflicts, while some said they left because they lost their livestock and other resources to droughts and other natural disasters. IDPs encounter a number of challenges when they arrive at IDP camps in Mogadishu. The study found that IDPs face insecurity, discrimination and other exploitations in the camps. There is no access to education, clean water, healthcare and other services in the camps. The study has shown that there is widespread unemployment among the IDP communities. In summary, displacement is a common phenomenon that affects thousands of Somali citizens. It is often caused by various factors including conflicts, environmental effects and loss of livelihoods. For displacement to be addressed, Somali government needs to implement effective policies that tackle root causes, while responding to the needs of those already affected by it.