Stronger Communities in Eswatini, Tajikistan and Somalia

How can humanitarian aid be made more sustainable? How can local people and communities be better supported to withstand crises, disasters and the impacts of climate change?

All of this was improved through a project funded by the European Union, carried out in cooperation with the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies and local Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies. 

The three-year programme ended in 2025. It improved the preparedness of more than seven million people in 24 countries. The Finnish Red Cross was responsible for implementing the programmes together with local Societies in three countries: Eswatini, Tajikistan and Somalia.

Community gardens improved livelihoods in Eswatini

Sibongele Dlamini, 40, tends a community garden in South Eswatini.
"The garden allows me to feed my family and earn my own living," Dlamini says. 

Among other initiatives and as part of EU-funded work in Eswatini, the tradition of community gardens has been revived. 

"The health of our family has improved thanks to the garden. I can sell some of the crops, which helps pay the children's school fees," Sibongele Dlamini explains. 

The project enhanced the ability of communities to respond to disasters, extreme weather events caused by climate change and disease epidemics. 

The work produced a number of results:

• 39,000 people are better prepared for climate risks. For example, farmers received training on how to farm in a climate-resilient way.
• 28,000 people received information on how to prepare for disease risks. Volunteers were trained and communities received information on health.
• 104,000 people received cash assistance to improve their income. Additionally, community gardens were established.

Disease preparedness improved in Tajikistan

Mashkhura meets regularly with Abdurahmon, a volunteer of the Tajikistan Red Crescent.

"We talk about all sorts of things, such as how to prevent frostbite in winter and how to avoid infectious diseases," says 17-year-old Abdurahmon.

When Mashkhura's three-year-old son accidentally spilled boiling hot tea on himself, Mashkhura remembered Abdurahmon's instructions. Burns had traditionally been treated with a cut potato, but on this occasion Mashkhura put the child's hand in cool water. It helped.

With support from the European Union, volunteers of the Tajikistan Red Crescent were trained to share information in their communities on first aid, health and disaster preparedness.

The work produced a number of results:

• The preparedness of more than 277,000 people to respond to disasters and epidemics was improved. Early warning systems for disasters were established in communities.
• More than 54,000 people learned to prepare for epidemics through training, as well as communication and vaccination campaigns. Volunteers were trained to detect any early signs of epidemics.
• 81% of the community members know the key ways to prevent disease epidemics.
• Of all the aid recipients, 12% were people with disabilities. 

Nutrition and health improved in Somalia

Nimco Adbikadir Hassan watched as the circumference of Dheeman Mustafe Ahmed's upper arm was measured. A measuring tape makes it possible to monitor children's levels of malnutrition. The weight and height of Dheeman Mustafe Ahmed were also measured. Conflict, extreme weather phenomena caused by climate change and poor basic services have undermined food security in Somalia, leaving children vulnerable to malnutrition. 

A European Union project improved community preparedness for disasters and conflicts. People also received cash assistance to improve their income.

The work produced a number of results:

• For 126,000 people, readiness for disasters increased by boosting livelihoods and managing climate-related risks concerning agriculture and livestock.
• The health of 374,000 people improved, e.g. through awareness campaigns, better child nutrition and training volunteers to provide guidance and detect early signs of health risks.
• 43,000 people received cash assistance to purchase essential items or improve their livelihoods.

Text: Minttu-Maaria Partanen

Communications Specialist