In Somalia, climate change is expected to increase the risk of natural hazards, and in turn, impacts access to livelihoods and exacerbate poverty. Due to the country’s struggle in dealing with climatic events and its geographic location, Somalia is one of the countries in the world with the highest vulnerability to climate change.

The project aimed to restore livelihoods and tackle critical levels of food insecurity and malnutrition in Rad/Laako. Up to 50,000 people have been displaced due to drought conditions and fighting. Their livestock perished following a prolonged drought or left their livestock behind to leave for their lives, putting their livelihoods at risk. Due to a lack of access to animal health treatments, the hosting villages also incurred significant livestock losses.

IWA distributed 200 goats/sheep to improve household nutrition and rebuild the livelihood of vulnerable communities In Rad/Lako Sanaag, Somalia. Around 40 internally displaced women including some from women-headed households are being assisted.

IWA built fully equipped hydroponic fodder with two water tanks, shelves, and trays. IWA provided the beneficiaries with hydroponic fodder production training. IWA also ensured that goats and sheep that meet specifications for good health and breeding performance were distributed to the communities.

IWA provided Animal health worker training to the beneficiaries and equipped the trainees with basic veterinary surveillance kits. IWA also provided the beneficiaries with basic bookkeeping training and conflict management to run the project and the saving mechanism of the money-saving group.

“Animal restocking” is crucial for the benefit of women for whom goats/sheep play a major role for the household nutrition security through the production of milk and a source of revenue to address other household challenges”, says Said Badmah, the Governor of Sanaag region.

After receiving 3 goats and 2 sheep, 45-years old Deqa Hassan Ali, the targeted beneficiary member said, “We don’t have food sometimes, my husband is paralyzed for the last 5 years. As an only earning member, I will keep these goats to reproduce so we can sell its milk and butter and buy food”.

The Director of the ministry of livestock and agriculture of the region stated that efforts to distribute goats to vulnerable women would have a positive impact on the community.

The project was funded under the DRC Diaspora Program.