From displacement to dignity: Somali IDPs turn coconut waste into livelihoods

For years, Abdi Hassan, an internally displaced person (IDP) from Somalia’s Jubaland region, lived in uncertainty, unable to find stable work and rebuild the life he had lost.

Forced to flee violence and leave everything behind, he sought refuge in the quiet village of Gobweyn near Kismayu, carrying nothing but the hope of safety and a second chance.

Today, his life tells a different story.

“I never thought I could earn a living from something people throw away. But this skill has given me a new start. I can now feed my family and send my children to school,” said Abdi, holding a finely carved coconut shell bowl.

Abdi is among dozens of vulnerable men, mostly IDPs and victims of conflict and climate displacement, who have received training in coconut shell crafting through a livelihood empowerment project implemented by Alight International Somalia with funding from GIZ.

Through help from Kenyan trainers, the initiative teaches beneficiaries how to turn discarded coconut shells into jewellery, home décor items and functional household goods such as spoons, bowls and keyholders.

“Lamu is the only place where you can get this kind of training and as a led consultant I was engaged by Alight International through the Jubaland government to undertake this training because of my expertise in peace transformation and coconut shell craft production which I presided over by taking a Lamu-based trainer to Kismayu in what we call cross-border knowledge transfer. It is a programme that we pioneered in Lamu, and now it has been replicated, localised and upscaled in Somalia,” said Shee Kupi.

For Mahamed Yare, the training offered more than just technical skills.

From waste into art

“Before this, I felt hopeless. Now, every time I finish a piece, I feel proud. I never imagined waste could become art and now it is my livelihood.”

In a region long plagued by conflict, drought, and economic hardship, the coconut crafting project offers a small yet meaningful step toward restoring livelihoods and dignity for displaced communities.

According to Yusuf Saddam, another trainee, the programme also fosters a sense of community and cooperation.

“We came here as strangers from different clans and backgrounds. But working together on something creative has built trust among us.”

Deeqow Ali, who lost his farmland due to flooding, said the skills acquired are now helping him support his family.

“Before this, I relied on humanitarian aid. Now, I make products and sell them in local markets.”

Peace and stability

Jimcaale Bashir echoed similar sentiments, describing the project as a source of peace and stability.

“This initiative has brought food to our tables and peace to our minds,” he said.

Although the trainees reside in temporary camps in Gobweyn village, Kismayu, their efforts have not gone unnoticed by regional authorities.

Jubaland President Sheikh Ahmed Mohamed Islaam recently pledged government support to expand the programme across other villages and towns.

“This coconut crafting initiative will not stop in Gobweyn. I will ensure it is replicated and sustained across many other youth groups in Jubaland. It is a brilliant model of hope, resilience, and economic opportunity.”

The project also highlights environmental benefits.

Circular economy

Traditionally discarded or burned, coconut shells once contributed to pollution in the region, but this initiative now recycles them into useful items, promoting eco-friendly practices and a circular economy.

Ibrahim Hassan, Jubaland’s Minister for Trade and Investment, hailed the project as a “game changer” for both the environment and the local economy.

“I am humbled by what I have seen. The creativity and skills developed in this programme are going to be a game changer in how we reduce conflict, enhance our environment, and promote economic livelihoods across Somalia,” he said

The skills taught in Gobweyn are inspired by neighbouring Kenya, where coconut shell crafting has already taken root, especially in Lamu County.

Model for Somalia project

The Lamu Incubation Hub, led by a youth entrepreneur named Nassir, served as a model for the Somalia project.

Alight International Somalia Project Manager Osman Mohamed said the project is just the beginning.

“This project moved me. Seeing what these artisans are creating, and how their lives are changing, is truly inspiring. We are committed to supporting even more artisans in this venture. I am confident that this program will transform the lives of many.”

For Hussein Ali Abdi, one of the most active participants, the programme has offered a way out of poverty and crime.

“This training has changed my life. With these skills, there is no need for conflict, no more crime, and no more poverty. We now have a way to support our families and build our future with dignity,” said Hussein.