It was my first visit to Mogadishu with this particular project so we decided for security reasons to limit the trip to a week and spend this time familiarizing with the complex Cash Relief project and identify other suitable projects for the SMS feedback. I anticipated a chaotic and highly insecure environment and prepared myself for the security restrictions that might hinder my movements.
Most of the first day was spent traveling to Mogadishu, going through the disorientating Mogadishu immigration and taking a short breather before meeting staff. The couple of hours I managed to meet the staff implementing the project was very productive and we decided on Cash Relief and Small Business Grant beneficiaries in 3 districts: Wadajir, Waberi and Hamar Weyne.
We aimed to meet 40 to 70 beneficiaries given that I only had 4 days. The visits were swiftly organized to start the following day and local authorities and beneficiaries in Wadajir were informed. This was turning out to be one of the most efficient team we have worked with so far, they are focused, helpful and super efficient. Following day, however, plans are interrupted as the city is at a standstill due to curfew imposed by the military, apparently, for a celebration.
There is nothing we can do so I spend the day reading on projects and getting to know the Mogadishu staff. Day 3, we finally start the visits and spend the day in Wadajir. We start with Small Business Grant beneficiaries who are day traders in Buulo Hubey market selling all sorts of things from vegetables, meat to charcoal. I was accompanied by Raaxo, a female staff working with the Small Business Grant beneficiaries and Awale, male staff with Cash Relief beneficiaries. They were very helpful and worked hard to both inform the local authorities, some beneficiaries and active community members in advance and mobilize as many beneficiaries as possible.
They also patiently took me around the market and in the unbearable heat and humidity we managed to visit 20 beneficiaries at their stalls to give them the meeting address and to see their businesses. I was glad to have the opportunity to visit beneficiaries without armed guards, the relaxed and casual nature of the meetings I feel make it easier to interact with beneficiaries and for them to feel comfortable to send frank feedback.
