Community Innovation Development Forum was established as a nonprofit organization in Mogadishu, Somalia, in 2020 to foster community development and empowerment through innovative mechanisms. Communities are the pillar of national development and cohesion and should be supported to develop their economic and social solutions.  

Somalia is emerging from the effects of three decades of civil war, and various development actors are working to uplift the lives of the citizenry. The 30 years of war left broken government institutions and services delivery system, leaving the communities at the grassroots level without basic social services.  Access to basic social services at the community level remains a challenge due to a lack of government support structures and capacity to deliver the services.

Somalia’s social environment is characterized by high poverty, vulnerability to human and climate shocks, and limited resources to support community livelihood rebuilding and restoration. Recurrent climate shocks like floods and droughts have exacerbated poverty and food insecurity. Community conflict is rampant, especially among the livestock keepers. Youth and women are the most affected by the adversities in Somalia and need support to develop beacons of hope for the next generation.    

Youth and women’s empowerment in Somalia is crucial for peace and state-building. Conflict and instability in Somalia have created an environment where youth and women are vulnerable, with limited access to basic services and opportunities.