Helping Somaliland’s Local Efforts to Fight Drought Situation

March 23, 2022

Somaliland Canadian Congress

2022 Drought Situation in Somaliland

A combination of two consecutive dry seasons which led to significant water scarcity, and rising food prices has left the majority of Somaliland's citizens severely drought affected. The drought's severity has resulted in water shortages, crop failures, and a scarcity of pasture.

According to the National Drought Committee, there is a severe shortage of water and pasture in the assessed locations/districts of the Eastern regions (Togdheer, Sool, and Sanaag) and Marodijeeh region, whereas the Guban districts, particularly the coastal and sub-coastal areas of the Awdal and Sahil regions, have adequate water but face severe pasture and food shortages. Water access remains extremely limited. In most localities, available Berkeds and shallow wells have dried up owing to failed wet seasons. Food and water prices continue to rise across the country, while animal market prices continue to fall significantly. Access to water for livestock rapidly deteriorated across the country, even further in the second quarter of 2022. It was estimated that drought affected as many as 810,000 people who required immediate aid. If the drought continues, the authorities projected that the drought-affected population will climb to 49%, with 1,200,420 people requiring assistance.

SCC’s Emergency Response

To answer the call of help from the local authorities in Somaliland who were dealing with an alarming humanitarian situation, many Somaliland diaspora communities took upon themselves to raise funds and hold charitable campaigns. In line with this moral obligation, Somaliland Canadian Congress initiated a local online fundraising drive through the platform Gofundme.com. Thanks to the generous donations from many fellow Canadian donors, SCC was able to raise a total of $5,462. The proceeds will be remitted in person to the National Drought Committee in Hargeisa, Somaliland by members of SCC.

“Change will not come if we wait for some other person, or if we wait for some other time. We are the ones we’ve been waiting for. We are the change that we seek.” – President Barack Obama