RDSA is a humanitarian, non-governmental, and public-benefit Organization founded in 2004 as a community-based and women’s association organization destined to support marginalized communities, other disaster-affected IDPs, rural and Agro-pastoralist communities living in Somalia. RDSA is a women-led organization that provides support to women and girls affected by disasters by adopting a holistic and gender-responsive approach that addresses women’s unique challenges, promotes their participation, and empowers them to overcome the impacts of crises. We often focus on promoting gender equality, fostering inclusive participation, advocacy, and targeting to facilitate equitable access to services for those affected and displaced by disasters. RDSA is committed to fighting against social injustice, livelihood deprivation against women and girls and poverty in Somalia and to build a future that guarantees everyone suitable living conditions, equal opportunities and respect for their rights.

To strategize its implementation, RDSA works closely with Community-Based Organizations at the local level to deliver projects that improve the lives of affected populations. The focus is to build equality across society in all streams – Food access, health care, environment, quality education, access to technology, access to spaces and information for the disabled, and protection for vulnerable members. 

The Rural Development Support Agency (RDSA) is actively engaged in implementing various projects aimed at improving the living conditions and resilience of communities in Kismayu, Banadir, Hirshabele, Southwest and Galmudug. The focus areas of RDSA’s initiatives include emergency Unconditional Cash Transfers (UCT) plus emergency agricultural and Livestock inputs, In-kind Food supplies distribution, Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH), Multi-Purpose Cash Assistance (MPCA), Protection, Resilience and climate change adaptation strategies.