Community Resilience in the Face of Climate Change

In Somalia's Bay region, the impact of climate change has created food shortages and health issues linked to food access problems. However, Rukia Abdi Mohamed stands out. At forty years old, Rukia has changed her family's prospects.

"We previously struggled to meet our daily food needs," Rukia reflects as she tends to her flourishing coriander and nut crops on their small farm. "Now, with solar irrigation and drought-resistant seeds, we're not just surviving—we're thriving."

Action Against Hunger's integrated multisectoral project, funded by the Italian Agency for International Development (AICS), boosted food access and emergency assistance for drought-affected communities in the Bay region.

The training on good agricultural practices has been a huge change for Rukia and 239 other farmers in her community. "The knowledge we gained has activated our passion for farming," she explains proudly.

"Despite challenges like the recent floods that washed away vital nutrients from our soils, we're seeing harvests of coriander, nuts, and kale."

Rukia's small farm now covers family expenses and allows for savings during favorable market conditions. The switch from fuel-powered to solar irrigation, along with drought-resistant seeds has boosted their productivity.

Rukia's husband, Mr. Ukash, shares his optimism. "I have always seen our land's potential," he says, reflecting on his start as an onion farmer in Bardhere. "With our new knowledge and tools, we're set for success in farming."

Their produce has also found a local market. "Neighbours come directly to us for produce. This sustains our farming and creates a connection for people to buy what we have right from our farm."

People come to buy from her farm directly without going to the market, and she says that encourages them to continue planting what people come for the most. To avoid costs that would take much of their little income of $4-$12, they like to work together as a family. Mama Rukia, her husband, and her in-laws help to work on the farm.

Previously reliant on expensive fuel to pump water, Rukia now sees a brighter future ahead. "The solar irrigation has made it easy to pump water anytime we want. It's not just about covering bills anymore; we're saving for the future."

Action Against Hunger has made a difference in Towfiq Township. Operationalizing the local health center and providing integrated health and nutritional support has brought essential services closer to communities affected by the droughts. Muslima Mohamed, whose child has been sick and malnourished, is among those impacted by the Italian agency-funded project. Her one-and-a-half-year-old child, Adan, has been malnourished, weakened by limited food availability and low nutritious intake. The Towfiq Health Center, run by Action Against Hunger, is providing him with the needed support to help him overcome malnutrition.

"I brought him here when he fell ill," Muslima recounts with relief. Her son has been on treatment since May 22nd, coming for food rations on a weekly basis to the Towfiq health center. She is grateful since her child is "much better" now.

Despite the food access challenges in the Goosey camp, the emergency services provided by the health center have reduced the health and nutrition needs of many families like Muslima's. With her son getting better, she is determined to return to farming in her village when the rains come during the Deyr ?(autumn) season in 2024 – around November-December.

In Somalia, the realities of climate change have converged to create a storm of food insecurity and humanitarian needs. Droughts and floods batter the land in cruel succession, leaving communities struggling to cope with fluctuating market prices and degraded soil. The impact is most visible in the faces of the country's youngest, with widespread acute malnutrition among children under five painting a grim picture of the crisis. As climate-induced events force families from their homes, internal displacement adds another layer of complexity to an already dire situation. This is more evident in the Bay region, where Towfiq Township grapples with an influx of displaced people, straining its limited healthcare resources and nutrition support systems.

Action Against Hunger's integrated health, nutrition, and livelihood support approach aims to restore resilience in Somalia's hardest-hit regions.

"Our goal is to provide the emergency support needed and empower them to overcome climate-induced hunger," says Action Against Hunger's Project Officer, Mowlid.

As the humanitarian crisis persists, Action Against Hunger remains on the ground, committed to its mission to provide immediate relief and provide long-term durable solutions like solar and drip irrigation kits. Addressing the root causes of food insecurity and malnutrition, our intervention demonstrates the power of integrated projects like the Italian agency-funded one in Somalia to address immediate needs and provide long-term solutions even in times of crisis.

Story by Ahmed Issack