Executive Summary
Pastoralist communities in Somalia are among the most climate-vulnerable populations globally. Recurrent droughts, erratic rainfall, land degradation, conflict, and weak basic services have severely undermined traditional pastoral livelihoods. Livestock losses, water scarcity, food insecurity, and displacement have become increasingly frequent, disproportionately affecting women, children, and marginalized clans.
This proposal presents a Climate-Resilient Livelihoods Program for Pastoralist Communities in Somalia, designed to strengthen adaptive capacity, protect livelihoods, and reduce humanitarian dependence. The project will promote diversified and climate-resilient livelihood options, sustainable rangeland and water management, livestock health and productivity, and community-based early warning and preparedness systems. Grounded in local knowledge and inclusive governance, the initiative aims to build long-term resilience while contributing to peacebuilding and stability.
Aligned with Somalia’s National Development Plan, Climate Change Policy, and regional resilience frameworks, the project offers scalable solutions to support pastoralists in adapting to climate change and safeguarding their way of life.
Background and Context
Pastoralism supports an estimated 60% of Somalia’s population directly or indirectly and contributes significantly to national exports and food security. However, Somalia has experienced successive climate shocks over the past two decades, including severe droughts, floods, and heatwaves. Climate change has intensified these shocks, disrupting seasonal migration patterns, degrading rangelands, and increasing competition over scarce natural resources.
Pastoralist regions such as Puntland, Galmudug, Hirshabelle, Jubaland, and Somaliland face chronic water shortages, limited veterinary and extension services, and weak market access. Insecurity and fragile governance further constrain investment in resilience-building interventions. Despite these challenges, pastoralist communities possess strong social networks, indigenous knowledge, and coping strategies that can be strengthened through targeted support.
This project builds on humanitarian–development–peace nexus approaches, shifting from crisis response toward sustainable, climate-resilient livelihoods for pastoralist communities.
Problem Statement
Pastoralist livelihoods in Somalia are under severe threat due to a combination of climate, environmental, and socio-economic factors:
- Recurrent droughts and climate variability causing large-scale livestock mortality
- Degraded rangelands and water sources reducing carrying capacity
- Limited livelihood diversification, increasing dependence on livestock alone
- Weak access to veterinary services, markets, and finance
- Heightened conflict and displacement linked to resource scarcity
Without comprehensive resilience interventions, pastoralist communities will face deepening poverty, food insecurity, and forced migration.
Project Goal and Objectives
Overall Goal
To enhance climate resilience, food security, and sustainable livelihoods among pastoralist communities in Somalia.
Specific Objectives
- Strengthen climate-resilient and diversified livelihood options for pastoralist households.
- Improve sustainable rangeland and water resource management.
- Enhance livestock health, productivity, and market access.
- Strengthen community-based early warning, preparedness, and conflict-sensitive governance.
- Promote inclusive participation of women and youth in livelihood and resilience activities.
Target Areas and Beneficiaries
The project will be implemented in selected pastoralist districts across Puntland, Galmudug, Hirshabelle, and Jubaland, based on vulnerability assessments.
Primary beneficiaries:
- 25,000 pastoralist households
- At least 50% women and youth
Secondary beneficiaries:
- Local authorities and customary institutions
- Livestock traders and service providers
Project Components and Methodology
- Component 1: Climate-Resilient and Diversified Livelihoods
- Support alternative income sources (fodder production, small-scale trade, processing)
- Women-led microenterprises and savings groups
- Skills training for youth in climate-resilient livelihoods
- Component 2: Sustainable Rangeland and Water Management
- Community-led rangeland rehabilitation and reseeding
- Construction and rehabilitation of berkads, boreholes, and water pans
- Grazing management plans and seasonal mobility agreements
- Component 3: Livestock Health and Market Systems
- Mobile veterinary clinics and vaccination campaigns
- Improved animal nutrition and fodder storage
- Strengthened livestock market linkages and value chains
- Component 4: Early Warning, Preparedness, and Conflict Sensitivity
- Community-based drought early warning systems
- Climate information services and seasonal forecasting
- Conflict resolution mechanisms and resource-sharing agreements
- Component 5: Capacity Building and Governance
- Training community institutions and local authorities
- Strengthening women’s leadership and decision-making
- Integration with national and regional resilience platforms
Implementation Plan
The project will be implemented over 48 months:
- Inception and Baseline (Months 1–6): Assessments, stakeholder engagement, and co-design.
- Livelihood and Resource Interventions (Months 7–30): Implementation of livelihood, rangeland, and water activities.
- Scaling and Market Integration (Months 31–42): Expansion, market linkages, and policy engagement.
- Consolidation and Exit (Months 43–48): Sustainability planning and handover.
Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning
The MEL framework will include:
- Baseline, midline, and endline assessments
- Indicators: livelihood diversification, livestock survival rates, income stability
- Participatory monitoring and community feedback mechanisms
- Learning briefs and resilience case studies
Expected Results and Impact
- Improved livelihood resilience and income stability
- Reduced livestock losses during climate shocks
- Improved rangeland condition and water availability
- Enhanced community preparedness and reduced conflict risks
- Strengthened role of women and youth in resilience-building
Sustainability and Scalability
Sustainability will be achieved through:
- Community ownership and customary governance systems
- Market-based livelihood models
- Integration with government and regional resilience initiatives
- Capacity building of local institutions
The project model is designed for replication across Somalia and the wider Horn of Africa.
Conclusion
Climate change poses an existential threat to pastoralist livelihoods in Somalia, but targeted, inclusive, and climate-smart interventions can reverse vulnerability and build resilience. By strengthening livelihoods, natural resource management, and community governance, this project will help pastoralist communities adapt to climate change, reduce humanitarian dependence, and contribute to long-term stability and development in Somalia.
