Navigating adversity: a systematic review of rural livelihood challenges in Somaliland

This systematic review aimed to synthesize the extant literature on the multifaceted challenges confronting rural livelihoods in Somaliland. Following the PRISMA guidelines, a comprehensive search of academic databases and grey literature sources was conducted, identifying relevant studies published between 1991 and 2023. The review identified and analyzed four deeply interconnected thematic challenges: (1) Environmental and Climatic Shocks, including intensifying droughts, water scarcity, and pest outbreaks; (2) Economic and Livelihood Constraints, characterized by an over-reliance on pastoralism, limited diversification, and financial exclusion; (3) Political and Institutional Fragilities, rooted in non-recognition and limited state capacity; and (4) Social and Infrastructural Deficits, manifesting as crippling deficits in healthcare, education, and roads. The synthesis revealed that these themes form a vicious, self-reinforcing cycle of vulnerability, whereby a shock in one domain exacerbates pressures in another, trapping communities in a state of protracted crisis. The study concluded that the complex and synergistic nature of these adversities necessitates a fundamental shift away from siloed, short-term interventions towards integrated, multi-sectoral resilience-building approaches that are mindful of Somaliland’s unique socio-political context. The review also highlighted significant gaps in the literature, pointing to avenues for future research.