STRENGTHENING COMMUNITY RESILIENCE: THE CONTRIBUTION OF HUMANITARIAN INTERVENTIONS TO SOCIO-ECONOMIC STABILITY IN BAIDOA

Baidoa, one of Somalias most important urban centers, continues to face recurring humanitarian challenges caused by drought, conflict, displacement, and poverty. These conditions have placed significant pressure on communities, affecting livelihoods,access to basic services, and overall socio-economic well-being. In response, humanitarian organizations have implemented a range of interventions aimed not only at meeting urgent needs but also at helping communities build resilience and recover from repeated shocks. This study explores how humanitarian interventions contribute to strengthening community resilience and supporting socio-economic stability in Baidoa. Using a mixed-methods research approach, data were collected from internally displaced persons (IDPs), host community members, local authorities, and representatives of humanitarian organizations. The study examined the impact of interventions in areas such as food security, livelihood support, healthcare, education, water and sanitation, and social protection. The findings reveal that humanitarian assistance has played an important role in improving access to essential services, supporting household incomes, enhancing coping capacities, and reducing the vulnerability of affected populations. At the same time, the study identifies several challenges, including limited funding, dependence on external aid, weak institutional capacity, and ongoing insecurity, which can hinder the long-term sustainability of these efforts.