WASDA ORIGIN
WASDA was established as a nongovernmental in Somalia in 2001. The organisation strives to supplement the efforts of governments and other development stakeholders in addressing developmental challenges in the Horn of Africa. WASDA is currently implementing development initiatives in North-Eastern Kenya and parts of Southern Somalia.
WASDA has been working with pastoral communities in North-Eastern Kenya and Southern Somalia for 23 years. The organisation has, in the process, gained and built a wealth of experience and knowledge that informs its programming. It utilises limited resources to change the lives of millions of people in its geographical areas of operation. In the last 23 years, WASDA has reached over 1.5 million people with livelihood, food security; water; sanitation and hygiene; health and nutrition; education and emergency humanitarian support.
vision
Empowered communities in the Horn of Africa that are resilient, innovative and peaceful
mission
To mobilise and engage communities and other stakeholders in creating strategic partnerships for sustainable management of the environment, water resources, livelihoods, and education and public health services in the Horn of Africa.
STRATEGIC PLAN 2016/20
our core values
- Commitment to community service and social responsibility
- Responsive to community needs
- Neutrality, impartiality (Non alignment)and Independence
- Cooperation, coordination and working in partnership to avoid duplication
- Quality services
- Accountability to stakeholders
our strategic plan
WASDA’s current Strategic Plan (2016 – 2020) sets out to address three goals that will guide the organisation for five years. The organization’s approach will shift to a more enabling and facilitating role, supporting innovation and providing technical support. This is aimed at providing the acute needs of disaster-affected populations, and strengthening the capacities of WASDA’s constituents to use existing resources to find solutions to their challenges and improve their lives.
GOAL 1
To address multi-dimensional aspects of food and nutrition insecurity:
In both Somalia and Kenya, WASDA will work towards seeking solutions to challenges around food and nutrition security and build local adaptation to climate change.
GOAL 2
To support communities to access resources:
Access to clean water and sanitation are essential for improved nutrition and health, while education enhances peoples’ ability to adapt their behaviour and better their lives, and to demand appropriate services. Education is an investment for the future, vital for economic growth, and a priority for communities in WASDA’s programme areas.
GOAL 3
To strengthen local capacities and partnerships to enable our communities’ participation in development and decision making:
With the new constitution and devolved governance structure in Kenya, the citizenry is getting more involved in development initiatives. WASDA engages its constituencies to harness their strengths and capacities in addressing development needs. This entails devoting a lot of effort in linking people to devolved systems and working with local groups in demanding change from their government and local actors.
CROSS-CUTTING THEMATIC AREAS
- Emergency response.
- Peace building and conflict management.
- Advocacy and governance.
- Protection.
STRATEGIC PARTNERS
WASDA utilises its comparative advantage as an indigenous and community-driven organisation to garner the support of the targeted populations which are marginalised to help improve their livelihoods. These are our key partners and stakeholders. WASDA does direct project implementation and also works with like-minded entities including government institutions, local communities, local leadership, networks and coalitions and nongovernmental partners.
