Challenge
The Lower Shabelle region of Somalia is grappling with significant challenges stemming from inter-communal conflict over natural resources, exacerbated by the complex dynamics of clan identities. The absence of effective governance structures, along with ongoing clan conflicts, has led to instability, displacement, and a deteriorating humanitarian situation. The lack of protection mechanisms for civilians, particularly women and children, has intensified their vulnerability, with issues like freedom of movement, healthcare access, child protection, Gender-based violence, and housing and property rights coming to the forefront.
In the Lower Shabelle’s southern city of Marka, a history of clan hostilities between the two villages of Buufow and Shalambood has hampered trade, movement of people and access to services. These villages lie in the rich farmland along the canal zone of Lower Shabelle, a region with great agricultural potential, but which has been affected by years of intercommunal conflict and clan tensions.
Project Goals
Through collaboration with women and youth associations, the project aims to actively involve 238 young individuals in developing inclusive resource management mechanisms and governance systems. By fostering their leadership skills and engagement, the project aims to address inter-communal tensions, enhance mutual understanding, and promote peaceful coexistence.
Key Activities
Facilitate and organize youth-led teambuilding & community planning exercises.
Link Sokaab crowdfunding platform with gamification app, allowing finalization and community voting on project proposals.
Youth-led water project implementation.
Inclusive resource management adoption.
Radio program developed to promote peaceful coexistence, community cohesion, and drive positive social transformation.
Impact
258 direct beneficiaries and 1,200 community members in Buufow and Shalmbood to benefit indirectly.
Inter-communal teambuilding exercises and joint community-based planning conducted in Shalambod and Buufow with participation of Association members.
Youth-led Resource Management and Operational/Environmental Sustainability Plans developed and implemented by Integrated Committee.
Regulatory platform on water resources established and operationalized by Marka District Peace and Safety Committee.
Play for Peace - Utilizing Technology For Peace-Building (PFP)
The Play for Peace (PFP) project, funded by FAO and implemented by Shaqodoon, aims to address the underlying hostilities present between the two communities who live only seven kilometers apart by utilizing aspects of gamification and technology.
Project Goals
To provide an appropriate channel for communication and collaboration among community members in project selection.
Create a platform for youth and women in Buufow and Shalambood to cooperate and engage in dialogue.
Foster youth leadership and empowerment.
Increased community engagement and civic participation.
Promote peaceful conflict resolution.
Key Activities
Creation of a mobile gaming platform that allows collaborative project selection and review.
Hold a game day where community members can come together to play and proceed with project selection.
Friendly football match between the two communities.
System Components
Gamified Mobile Application
Three stage game.
Components include: rewarding system, levels, stages and a leaderboard.
PFP Online Public Portal
Anyone can access the site.
Real-time data.
Project IVR-based Voting System
Community members can vote for projects selected by groups through IVR using shortcode.
IVR system offers various options, such as voting directly or learning about projects before voting.
Only one vote per caller is permitted to ensure fairness and accuracy.
Voting results can be viewed on the website.
Mobile Application Components
•User-friendly gaming application for smartphones.
•Based on Android Version 9 and suitable for all tablet screens.
•Supports multiple user accounts and connections.
•Includes levels and stages that enable the youth to learn and be quizzed while helping each other pass the challenges to progress to the final stage.
•Final stage involves gaining access to community projects and selecting the most appropriate one for their community.
More Details
Project Director: Ahmed Mohamed Omar | Email
Location: Somalia| Lower Shabelle | Marka
Start Date - End Date:
1/05/2022 to 15/08/2023Donor(s): UN Peacebuilding Fund
Implemented By: International Organization for Migration (IOM), FAO & Shaqodoon Organization