In Somalia, identified gaps in shelter, health, water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH), as well as in protection data, are hindering effective, coordinated and, most importantly, accountable delivery of assistance to internally displaced persons (IDPs). Recognizing the lack of centralised and integrated datasets on IDP settlements in South Central Somalia, REACH proposes to develop a more uniform process of data collection, integration and dissemination to enhance the accountability, targeting, and effectiveness of humanitarian programming in South Central Somalia.

In partnership with ACTED, REACH was deployed in May 2013 to conduct an assessment of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) settlements in Somalia. Following discussions with the Inter-Cluster, WASH and Shelter Cluster Coordinators, Doolow and Mogadishu have been identified as priority locations for conducting the IDP mapping exercise. The assessment will result in the production of maps, reports and factsheets for use by approximately 80 organisations including cluster members, United Nations agencies, NGOs and donor. So far the REACH assessment team collected data on camp facilities, shelter density, shelter distance from latrines and shelter distance from water points in the IDP settlements of Qansaley and Kabasa in Doolow. REACH has so far produced six maps that are being shared by the Somalia water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) Cluster to all members for use in planning and programming; these maps will be available on the REACH website by the end of June. ACTED has also completed a secondary data review and will produce a final factsheet to be shared with partners in the coming weeks. In the coming months REACH will map 9 to 11 camps using a combination of secondary and primary data collection, involving secondary data review, data collection from partner agencies, satellite mapping, remote sensing and enumerators’ observations of camps and household conditions, with support from the European Commission Humanitarian Aid and Civil Protection Department.

-> NEW: Somalia Intercluster Assessment Fact Sheet : IDP Camps in Doolow District

To learn more about what REACH is doing in Somalia, go to our country page or visit the Somalia resource center.