Project Overview
About DRIVE
The De-Risking, Inclusion and Value Enhancement of pastoral economies in the Horn of Africa Project (DRIVE) is a $327.5 million project to cushion pastoralists in Djibouti, Ethiopia, Kenya, Federal Government of Somalia, and the Government of Somaliland from the impacts of drought and better connect them to markets. DRIVE will strengthen support for pastoralists in the Horn of Africa (HOA) so that they have access to rapid cash when there is a drought, either through their savings or insurance payouts, allowing them to keep their core breeding stock alive. It will also incentivize pastoralists to save more in cash, rather than increasing the size of herds to protect themselves against future shocks. The project will support direct linkages of pastoralists to livestock processors through market contracts, so that they are able to sell livestock regularly, and will strengthen quality standards and livestock trade facilitation so that countries can move from the existing live animal value chain to a livestock product value chain. This project uses the existing country systems of the Somalia Enhancing Public Resource Management (SERP) PIU. The Government of Somaliland will be supported by Component 2 under the IDA Grant of SRD 4,345,900.
Pastoralists represent between 33 and 65 percent of the population in HoA. Overreliance on rainfed agricultural activities makes them particularly vulnerable to climate shocks, including droughts, and one of the poorest communities in the region. Pastoralists tend to keep large herds as protection for anticipated drought shocks. Yet when drought hits, the animals either die, lose value, or are sold at rock bottom prices to fund immediate needs. Emergency response can be subject to leakages or arrive too late after the animals have perished. Furthermore, pastoralists are currently at the bottom of the livestock value chains and are not providing livestock in the required quality and quantity to livestock processors/exporters.
Development Objective
Project Development Objective (PDO)
The Project Development Objectives (PDO) of the DRIVE Project are to enhance pastoralists' access to financial services for drought risk mitigation, including them in the value chains, and facilitate the livestock trade in the Horn of Africa.
Key Focus Areas
Quality Infrastructure
Upgrade quality infrastructure, including standards, metrology, testing facilities, certification services, inspection services and quarantine systems, to ensure compliance of livestock and livestock products with national and international standards.
Somaliland Quality Control Commission Strengthening
Support the Somaliland Quality Control Commission (SQCC) through technical assistance covering standards, accreditation, metrology, conformity assessment, testing, laboratory procedures, livestock quality and regulations, quality systems, and traceability systems.
Livestock Trade Facilitation
Support improved compliance with livestock and livestock product standards, helping strengthen Somaliland’s role in regional and international livestock trade, including through the Berbera corridor.
Capacity Building and Regional Collaboration
Build capacity of quality infrastructure agencies, livestock traders, exporters, investors, and local communities to facilitate compliance with standards and support operationalization of Mutual Recognition Agreements in the Horn of Africa.
Project Documentation
- Environmental and Social Commitment Plan (ESCP)
- Stakeholder Engagement Plan (SEP)
Implementation Arrangement
- Ministry of Finance and Economic Development
The Ministry of Finance and Economic Development (MoFED) is the executing agency for the Somaliland Component of the DRIVE Project and is responsible for overall coordination and implementation.
- Somaliland Quality Control Commission
The Somaliland Quality Control Commission (SQCC) is the main technical beneficiary agency and will provide technical inputs, approve relevant Terms of Reference, support technical quality assurance, and contribute to the review and approval of deliverables.
- SERP PIU
Provides implementation support services, including procurement, financial management, ESS/safeguards, M&E, and World Bank coordination.
This arrangement leverages existing government systems and implementation capacity to ensure efficient, accountable, and World Bank-compliant project delivery.
Get in Touch
For additional information or support, please contact the SERP Project Management Unit at:---------------------------------------------------
