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As well as taking lives and damaging infrastructure, the tsunami also had devastating consequences for the livelihoods of Aceh’s population. Even before the tsunami, Aceh experienced high levels of poverty and unemployment caused by 30 years of civil conflict. These hardships only increased after the tsunami when a massive 800,000 people were left without a source of income, seriously threatening the long-term development of the region.

Most of the losses were to fishermen, farmers and small business owners who lost their boats, lands and shops. Although during the immediate aftermath of the tsunami people were focused on their needs for shelter, food and water, it quickly became apparent that people would need help to start earning a living once again.

Islamic Relief Livelihoods projects

Cash-for-work

In the first few weeks after the tsunami, Islamic Relief helped to provide people with an income by establishing cash-for-work programs which employed people to clear the rubble and debris from villages.

In total, over 8,500 people were employed through these programs, giving them an immediate source of income.

Market stalls

In the immediate aftermath, Islamic Relief provided 500 market stall tents so people could earn wages by selling fruit, coffee and food. Over the last three years we have also helped to rebuild the local economy by building 14 new markets where local traders can sell livestock, vegetables and fish, helping to restart the local economy.

Vocational training

To help build the capacity of the affected communities Islamic Relief provided more than 1,500 people with vocational training in skills such as carpentry, tailoring, computing, electrical installation, small scale agriculture and business skills.

In addition, 170 community groups were formed provided with business support. We also provided community members with the tools and equipment to establish their own small businesses, including providing over 80 people with new rickshaws, and repairing damaged fishing boats and nets.

Interest-free loans

Islamic Relief’s work prioritizes the needs of  many who still lack a regular source of income. The most vulnerable of those include those living in remote, rural areas that have been deeply affected by civil conflict and women who lost their husbands and breadwinners during the tsunami.

So far, more than 2,000 people have benefited from Islamic Relief’s interest-free loans, allowing them to buy the tools and equipment needed to establish and expand their businesses.

Aisha’s story

In a small house in the village of Blankrueng, Aisha Hasan, 60, is patiently stirring a mixture of boiling oil and sweet syrup. The bubbling mixture that Aisha and four other women are making is karah, a traditional sweet they will later sell at the market.

“I make 300 pieces a day which takes me from morning to evening,” Aisha said. “I sell them in the center of Banda Aceh to stall holders.

“I go there every three days on public transport. This is not enough to support us entirely but it helps with the school fees and I’m glad I can do this.”

Losing family in the tsunami

When the tsunami hit Blankrueng much of the village was flattened and around 300 people died. Among the dead were Aisha’s husband and three of her children.

Her husband’s death left Aisha with no source of income and no way to support her other children. With limited opportunities for education in Aceh, Aisha was not alone in having few skills she could use to make a living. However, she did know how to cook.

Cooking together
As part of Islamic Relief’s livelihoods work with widows and widowers in Aceh, Aisha received a stove and materials that allowed her to cook and sell karah.

Aisha and the other women cook together and share the profits between them. They use the income to send their children to school and support other members of their families.

“I got a house from Islamic Relief and I also got a stove and the ingredients I need.” Aisha said. “My house was completely destroyed. I only have the skill of cooking and this is the main source of income for me.”