In the South West State of Somalia, Baidoa stands at the crossroads of challenge and hope. The city, home to 600,000 residents, now hosts a staggering 740,000 internally displaced persons (IDPs) who have fled conflict and climate shocks to seek safety in its informal settlements. These displaced families—who are already vulnerable—face overcrowding, limited services and the constant fear of eviction.
Overcrowding is pervasive in many of Baidoa's IDP sites. IOM 2023.
Overcrowding is pervasive in many of Baidoa's IDP sites. IOM 2023.
To provide long-term stability and improved living conditions for these displaced families while reducing strain on urban services, the Baidoa municipality launched a transformative initiative: developing a new city extension called Barwaaqo, meaning 'prosperity' in Somali.
Barwaaqo offers displaced families the chance to relocate from overcrowded sites where they face the risk of eviction to newly developed areas that provide long-term land tenure and access to essential services. After years of uncertainty and instability, this opportunity allows these families to settle down and plan for a more secure future.
Aerial view of Barwaaqo 3. IOM 2024.
Aerial view of Barwaaqo 3. IOM 2024.
The Barwaaqo Northern Extension development is part of the Nagaad Project funded by the World Bank through the Federal Government of Somalia and is implemented by the Municipality of Baidoa. Support is administered by the Danwadaag Consortium, led by the International Organization for Migration (IOM).
In July 2024, the project entered its third phase of relocation, welcoming 1,150 families to join over 2,000 others who had already embraced a fresh start in Barwaaqo between 2019 and 2021.
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This illustration is an artistic interpretation based on the actual site map.
Barwaaqo's three sections—Barwaaqo 1, 2, and 3—are connected by a 2.9 kilometre feeder road.
In Barwaaqo 3, a drainage system was constructed with 36 kilometres of primary and secondary roadside drains built by 250 workers recruited from households who relocated during the first two phases.
Residents from Barwaaqo 1 and 2 prepare drainage along the roadside in Barwaaqo 3 as part of a cash-for-work programme. IOM 2024/Ismail Salad Osman.
Residents from Barwaaqo 1 and 2 prepare drainage along the roadside in Barwaaqo 3 as part of a cash-for-work programme. IOM 2024/Ismail Salad Osman.
Two boreholes, strategically placed after thorough assessments, provide the site with sustainable water. Management of the boreholes will be handed over to trained community committees and the private sector under the leadership of the Municipality of Baidoa, ensuring long-term sustainability, and the quantity of groundwater will be continuously monitored.
A group of Barwaaqo 1 and 2 residents lays water pipeline in Barwaaqo 3. IOM 2024/Ismail Salad Osman.
A group of Barwaaqo 1 and 2 residents lays water pipeline in Barwaaqo 3. IOM 2024/Ismail Salad Osman.
A 13.2 kilometre network of pipes ensures that water reaches every neighbourhood block. Each water point is equipped with six faucets that can serve up to 20 households.
Two families fetch water from the water point in their block. IOM 2024.
Two families fetch water from the water point in their block. IOM 2024.
This street-side view of new shelters in Barwaaqo 3 shows that many families constructed outdoor kitchens using branches and plastic sheets (buuls) or by purchasing extra iron sheets. IOM 2024.
This street-side view of new shelters in Barwaaqo 3 shows that many families constructed outdoor kitchens using branches and plastic sheets (buuls) or by purchasing extra iron sheets. IOM 2024.
Of the 1,150 shelters, ninety per cent were built with Corrugated Galvanized Iron (CGI) sheets, a sturdy, low-maintenance building material that can easily be recycled and reused when the families decide to upgrade their shelters.
Ten per cent of the shelters were built with the more durable and preferred cement blocks. These were allocated to the most vulnerable households who are less likely to be able to upgrade on their own in the future. IOM 2024.
Ten per cent of the shelters were built with the more durable and preferred cement blocks. These were allocated to the most vulnerable households who are less likely to be able to upgrade on their own in the future. IOM 2024.
Household members constructed the concrete flooring of their homes themselves, using a cash subsidy to purchase materials like sand and cement.
Since the families were relocated in clusters and already knew their neighbours, many helped each other with their flooring, further fostering a sense of community. IOM 2024.
Since the families were relocated in clusters and already knew their neighbours, many helped each other with their flooring, further fostering a sense of community. IOM 2024.
Elevated latrines were built near residences to prevent overflow during heavy rains and away from water sources to ensure they remain uncontaminated.
Latrines—like the one on the right-hand side of this photo—were built near the shelters to enhance safety, particularly for women at night. IOM 2024.
Latrines—like the one on the right-hand side of this photo—were built near the shelters to enhance safety, particularly for women at night. IOM 2024.
To provide a safe environment for the residents, 75 streetlights were installed near key amenities such as latrines, water points, playgrounds, and other facilities.
Solar lights constructed around a playground in Barwaaqo 3. IOM 2024.
Solar lights constructed around a playground in Barwaaqo 3. IOM 2024.
Looking ahead, the community will decide what additional public amenities they wish to develop. These could include more playgrounds for children, and trees could be planted to create more green areas. There is already a community initiative in place to collectively finance a worship space.
Tree planting was successful in Barwaaqo 1 and 2 and is on the list for community consideration in Barwaaqo 3. IOM 2024.
Tree planting was successful in Barwaaqo 1 and 2 and is on the list for community consideration in Barwaaqo 3. IOM 2024.
Barwaaqo is envisioned as a collaborative initiative that is integral to Baidoa city's broader development strategy. While the Government of Somalia, with support from the World Bank, primarily backed Phase 3 of Barwaaqo’s development, efforts to secure funding for additional amenities are ongoing. For instance, a public-private partnership supported by USAID and FCDO has been planned to electrify the entire Barwaaqo area. This project will support the Baidoa Electric Company in connecting approximately 20,000 Barwaaqo residents to power and will pave the way to extend this power supply to an additional 90,000 displacement affected communities in informal settlements in northern Baidoa.
Collaborative site development
A cornerstone of the project has been its inclusive, community-driven approach built upon best practices and lessons learned during the first two relocation phases. Extensive consultations ensured that displaced persons were at the heart of every decision, from the layout of the site to the design of the community facilities to the selection and eligibility of the beneficiaries. This participation fostered a sense of ownership, making the transition to the new location smoother.
A community member provides feedback to the project team. IOM 2024/Moustapha Negueye Ragueh.
A community member provides feedback to the project team. IOM 2024/Moustapha Negueye Ragueh.
To ensure effective communication and decision-making, a relocation committee was established with representatives from all 20 displacement sites. At a broader level, the Urban Reintegration Taskforce—under the Resilient Baidoa Initiative—brought together UN agencies and NGOs to coordinate resources and expertise, ensuring a comprehensive approach to urban reintegration. These included WFP, UNHCR, GiZ, and WHO.
Enabling long-term stability and opportunities for displaced families
The third phase of the Barwaaqo relocation project marks a significant step towards stability and security for 1,150 displaced households. Together with the families that relocated in the first two phases, this brings the total number of Barwaaqo community residents to around 20,000.
A range of housing, land, and property (HLP) support services have formed the core of the project. The leadership exhibited by the Baidoa municipality, particularly the commitment to expedite the formal issuance of property ownership documents for new Barwaaqo residents within a three-year timeframe, has been commendable.
Additionally, through Danwadaag partners' efforts to engage with property owners, organize educational sessions, and provide legal aid to secure property documentation, residents now feel a greater sense of security in their new homes. This initiative not only protects families from the threat of eviction, which could derail their future plans, but also empowers them to plan for the long term, improve their skills and elevate their livelihoods.
With residents soon to officially own their homes, Barwaaqo has been removed from the CCCM cluster’s IDP settlement list. As a result, the families there are no longer considered ‘displaced’ but rather ‘resettled,’ marking a significant milestone in their lives and offering them new identities and opportunities.
A man transports his possessions to Barwaaqo 3 using the new road. IOM 2024.
A man transports his possessions to Barwaaqo 3 using the new road. IOM 2024.
The Baidoa municipality has shown strong commitment to supporting livelihood activities and improving transportation access for Barwaaqo’s residents, leveraging resources from both the municipality and development partners. This dedication lays a solid foundation for Barwaaqo residents to rebuild their lives in a comprehensive and sustainable way.
"Relocation is not just about moving people—it’s about working with them to build new lives. Committees made up of the community, the host community and local leaders were formed to guide this process, and small businesses have begun to emerge, giving people hope and new opportunities.
The Barwaaqo project, which has spanned three phases, has also provided jobs for local scooter drivers, who now transport people to and from what used to be an isolated area. Today, Barwaaqo is connected to the city, thanks to improved transportation and infrastructure. This project isn’t just a relocation—it’s part of a larger vision, built around the future of the Baidoa City Urban Plan."
CREDITS
The Nagaad Project drought response is funded by the World Bank through the Federal Government of Somalia and implemented by the Danwadaag Durable Solutions Consortium in coordination with the municipalities of Mogadishu, Garowe, and Baidoa.
For more information about Danwadaag's work in Somalia, contact Laura Bennison, Danwadaag Durable Solutions Consortium Coordinator. Follow us on X @Danwadaag_DS.
This interactive report was designed and developed by Jenny Spencer at Untethered Impact, with illustrations by Nujuum Hashi.
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