Indigenous Social Protection Mechanisms among the Somali Pastoral Communities in Lower Juba
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.63539/isrn.2026016Keywords:
Social Protection, Resilience, Shock, Traditional Elder, Climate ChangeAbstract
This research paper examines the role of indigenous social protection mechanisms in strengthening the resilience and livelihood security of Somali pastoralist communities in Lower Juba amid recurrent shocks and structural challenges. It documents and analyses the traditional social protection practices employed by pastoralist communities in response to recurrent shocks and life-cycle events and assesses their effectiveness and adaptability in the context of protracted conflict, climate change, urbanization, and external humanitarian interventions. By adopting a mixed-methods design, the research gathered both quantitative and qualitative data through a survey of 512 participants and 30 interviews with key informants using purposive sampling. Data collection took place between September 10 and November 15, 2025. Findings indicate that Somali pastoralist households face significant challenges, primarily due to drought, conflict, and displacement. Despite these vulnerabilities, traditional support systems remain vital, with help coming from kinship networks rather than formal sources. This aid is rooted in a culture of reciprocity, emphasizing ethical duty over charity. Indigenous practices offer preventive measures through risk-pooling and support for widows and orphans. Customs like Xeer (traditional law) and Tacsi (support during funerals) have historically aided conflict mediation and resource redistribution during droughts. However, these systems now struggle with legitimacy and effectiveness, weakened by armed conflict, reliance on external aid, and diminishing elder authority. Factors such as sedentarization also hamper pastoral mobility. Additionally, women and youth are often excluded from decision-making within these crucial support networks, despite their willingness to engage.
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Copyright (c) 2026 Muktar Abdi Hussein, Mohamud Abdi Ahmed (Author)
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