
Harvesting Hope: Celebrating Habiba Ibrahim Sheikh This Mother’s Day
By Ahmed Hussein – Rhamu Mandera This Mother’s Day, RACIDA celebrates the strength, resilience, and determination of mothers like Habiba Ibrahim Sheikh—a woman whose hands
Rural Agency for Community Development and Assistance (RACIDA) is a premier regional not- for-profit organization. Since its founding in 2001, RACIDA has worked to build the resilience of vulnerable communities living in Arid and Semi-Arid Lands (ASALs) of Kenya, Somalia and Ethiopia.
“ In the arid lands of the Horn of Africa, the impact of climate change on pastoralist and agro-pastoralist communities is profound and undeniable. The changing weather patterns, prolonged droughts, and unpredictable rainfall have significantly disrupted traditional livelihoods, leaving these vulnerable communities facing unprecedented challenges.
As we witness the escalating effects of climate change, it is crucial for us to play a proactive role in supporting adaptation activities in the region. By collaborating with these communities, sharing knowledge, and implementing sustainable practices, we can empower them to build resilience in the face of adversity.
Through grassroots efforts and innovative solutions, local partners have the potential to make a tangible difference in enhancing the adaptive capacity of pastoralist and agro-pastoralist communities. Together, we can forge a path towards a more sustainable and climate-resilient future for all those who call the Horn of Africa home.
Let us stand united in our commitment to combatting the impacts of climate change, forging partnerships, and fostering community resilience in the face of environmental challenges.
Together, we can create a brighter and more sustainable future for generations to come.
Mohamoud Duale | Regional Director |
Promote values of democratic governance, human rights, and peace building.
By Ahmed Hussein – Rhamu Mandera This Mother’s Day, RACIDA celebrates the strength, resilience, and determination of mothers like Habiba Ibrahim Sheikh—a woman whose hands
In response to widespread deforestation, recurrent droughts, and the depletion of Indigenous tree species driven by unsustainable charcoal production, Building Opportunities for Resilience in the
This International Women’s Day 2025, we honor the strength, resilience, and determination of women driving change in their communities. Under the theme “Empower Every Woman: Equality, Progress, Inclusion,” we champion the need for equal opportunities for all women and girls.
Through the Hanaano Programme, funded by Irish Aid, RACIDA and Concern Worldwide are turning this vision into reality—helping women achieve financial independence, sustainable livelihoods, and leadership roles for a more equitable future.
Life is not unlike before now I can afford to pay my children school fees and at least afford two meals a day, business is good sometimes and bad sometimes, my worst days I collect 400ksh -500ksh from my customers and that is not bad during this drought. Alhamdulillah we thank RACIDA for it is wonderful support were it not for them my family we could not have reached this milestone.
Even before the drought, we struggled to make ends meet because we had lost our livestock, affecting our household income. Selling milk or our livestock for essential needs became impossible. To survive, I began selling firewood, and my husband sought odd jobs, such as tending to other people's livestock. Even then, it was barely enough to put food on the table.
When I first joined the Development Girl group training, I was shy and highly introverted. However, because of the training and expertise I have gained thanks to GIRL model, I am more confident, and I believe that with the right mindset, I can conquer anything. My self-esteem has been boosted and the safe space training helped me learn how to protect myself.
RACIDA’s first strategic goal is to provide humanitarian assistance to vulnerable pastoral and agro- pastoral communities in Ethiopia, Kenya, and Somalia.