SOAS, University of London (The School of Oriental and African Studies)

Transnational Links to Rural and Urban Areas in Somaliland and Puntland: Remittances and Livelihood Security

Abstract:
Remittances are a central pillar of the Somali economy. This seminar will present the preliminary findings of research on the extent to which Somali households in urban and rural settings receive remittances and the use they make of these resources. It challenges the idea that only urban, better off people receive support, and shows that in fact rural economies are also very much tied to remittances. In addition, Abdirashid Duale, CEO of Dahabshiil, the largest Somali-owned money transfer company, will discuss his perspectives on the role that remittances play in Somali economies and the potential challenges to this form of support.