Vision
The Somalia we work toward
We seek to see crisis resilient Somali communities with equitable Solutions to climate induced crisis and with available and accessible basic services and having sustainable livelihoods.
Who we are
About ARDA
Designing and implementing life changing Relief and development programs that alleviate climatic change risks and deepening poverty in collaboration with relevant stakeholders to ensure holistic sustainable development in Somalia.
Establishment
A Somali humanitarian and development organisation
Action for Relief And Development Agency (ARDA) was established in 2017 and is legally registered with the Federal Ministry of Interior (Ref #2123) and the Southwest State Ministry of Planning, Investment and Economic Development (MoPIED Reg #6173). Our headquarters is located at Mogadishu Road, Adaada, Baidoa, Southwest State, Somalia.
ARDA is led by Executive Director Isse Abdullahi Hassan and works across Southwest State and the Banadir Regional Administration to deliver relief and development programming in collaboration with communities, government, UN agencies and international partners.
Mission
Why we exist
Designing and implementing life changing Relief and development programs that alleviate climatic change risks and deepening poverty in collaboration with relevant stakeholders to ensure holistic sustainable development in Somalia.
Values
Core Values
Moral and Ethical Integrity
We act with honesty, fairness and strong moral principles in all our work and relationships.
Solidarity with the Poor
We stand alongside the most vulnerable and work to improve their lives with compassion and respect.
Transparency and Accountability
We are open and responsible in our decisions, resource use and reporting to communities, donors and authorities.
Environmentally Conscious
We design and implement programmes that protect and sustain the natural environment.
Participation
We ensure communities, partners and stakeholders are meaningfully involved in decisions that affect them.
Gender Sensitivity
We recognise and address the different needs, roles and opportunities of women, men, girls and boys.
Equity & Inclusion
We promote fairness and ensure all people, including those with disabilities and minorities, are included.
Learning and Innovation
We continuously learn, adapt and innovate to improve our impact and efficiency.
Programmes
Eight Core Thematic Pillars
Peace Building
Peace Building & Reconciliation
Conflict analysis, mediation, youth and women peace agents, and early warning systems.
Learn moreYouth & Women
Youth and Women Empowering
TVET skills, business development services, incubation, VSLAs, and Youth Peace & Security.
Learn moreFood & Livelihoods
Food Security, Agriculture and Livelihood Development
Climate-Smart Agriculture, livestock management, and emergency cash and voucher assistance.
Learn moreEducation
Inclusive Basic Education
Special Needs Education, teacher training, and child-friendly safe spaces.
Learn moreHealth Care
Primary Health Care
Mobile health clinics, PEP kits, and maternal and child health in hard-to-reach areas.
Learn moreNutrition
Nutrition
Targeted Supplementary Feeding Programmes and infant and young child feeding practices.
Learn moreWASH
Water, Sanitation and Promotion of Hygiene (WASH)
Birkads, shallow wells, water management committees, and hygiene promotion.
Learn moreProtection
Protection and Gender Inclusion
GBV prevention, women and girl safe spaces, Communities Care, and rights advocacy.
Learn moreLeadership
Executive Director
IAH
Isse Abdullahi Hassan
Executive Director
Provides overall leadership, strategic direction and donor engagement for ARDA, overseeing programmes across Southwest State and Banadir.
Coordination role
Area-Based Coordination (ABC) Co-Chair
ARDA is the Co-Chair of the Area-Based Coordination (ABC) mechanism in Burhakaba District, providing leadership for humanitarian and development coordination with technical support from UN OCHA. This strengthens local response planning, information sharing and partnership alignment in Southwest State.
Governance
Board of Directors
ARDA is governed by a five-member Board of Directors that provides strategic direction, oversight and accountability.
CotB
Chairperson of the Board
Board Chair
Provides strategic governance leadership and oversight for ARDA's mission and programmes.
VC
Vice Chairperson
Vice Chair
Supports the Chair in governance, board development and strategic decision-making.
T
Treasurer
Board Treasurer
Oversees financial oversight, budget approval and audit review on behalf of the Board.
S
Secretary
Board Secretary
Manages board records, meeting minutes and governance compliance.
BM
Board Member
Member
Contributes to policy, programme and organisational strategy from a community and humanitarian perspective.
Management
Senior Management
Day-to-day implementation is led by senior managers supported by more than 15 active volunteers in Baidoa, Burhakaba and surrounding districts.
PD
Programmes Director
Senior Manager
Oversight of multi-sector programme design and delivery across Southwest State and Banadir.
FaCD
Finance and Compliance Director
Senior Manager
Responsible for audit readiness, donor compliance and transparent financial reporting.
OM
Operations Manager
Senior Manager
Coordinates field logistics, security, procurement and support services in Baidoa and partner districts.
MaEM
Monitoring and Evaluation Manager
Senior Manager
Leads data collection, learning, accountability and results reporting for all ARDA projects.
Volunteer Network
More than 15 active volunteers support community mobilisation, hygiene promotion, nutrition screening, and protection awareness across Baidoa, Burhakaba and partner districts. Volunteers are a vital link between ARDA and the communities we serve.