Farhiya Hassan Muude, a 40-year-old widow and mother of five, lives in Muryaale village, Balcad District. Life has been a constant struggle since her husband’s sudden passing in 2021, leaving her as the sole provider for her family. To make ends meet, Farhiya walked daily to Balcad town in search of casual work, washing clothes for minimal pay or food in return.
Her turning point came when ADRO introduced the Cash Plus Agriculture initiative in her village. Upon hearing from neighbors about the project’s potential to support vulnerable individuals, Farhiya was determined to be included. “I inquired daily about the registration process,” she shared. “I wanted a chance to improve my family’s situation.”
Farhiya was successfully registered as a beneficiary and received unconditional cash transfers for three months, totaling $360. The impact of this support was immediate and transformative. “I used part of the money to pay off debts and invested the rest to start a small tea shop,” Farhiya explained.
Today, Farhiya’s tea shop provides a steady income, allowing her to feed her children three meals a day and enroll them in a Quranic school. Reflecting on her journey, she said:
“I now meet my family’s basic needs and look to the future with hope. I am so grateful to FAO and ADRO for their kindness and dedication to helping people like me. This intervention has not only changed my life but has also brought peace and stability to my children’s future. I cannot thank FAO and ADRO enough for this life-changing support.”
Farhiya extended her appreciation to the project staff who were always available to answer questions and provide guidance throughout the process. “They treated us with respect and ensured we understood how to benefit from the program,” she added.
This story illustrates how targeted cash support can empower individuals to rebuild their lives and achieve financial independence, fostering resilience in vulnerable communities. It is also a testament to the importance of partnerships and humanitarian commitment in creating opportunities for those most in need. Farhiya’s heartfelt thanks echo the sentiments of many who have benefited from this project.
“Without this program, I don’t know how I could have managed. You gave me a new beginning,” Farhiya concluded.
