In 2023, the WEA partnership, with financial support from Gebende Hände (Giving Hands), assisted Tearfund Germany in implementing an aid and resilience project in five pastoralist communities in the Salahley and Sabawanaag districts of the Hawd region in Somaliland. The initiative addressed the severe impacts of drought and climate change on the pastoralists' livelihoods by combining emergency relief with longer-term community development measures.
Water scarcity was identified as one of the most critical factors contributing to food insecurity for both households and livestock. In response, the project provided emergency water through water transport while simultaneously rehabilitating key community water infrastructure. Underground water cisterns (berkeds), earth dikes, and large haffir dams were restored to improve water storage capacity and reduce the communities' vulnerability to prolonged droughts. These measures significantly improved water access for hundreds of households and their animals.
In parallel, unconditional cash transfers were provided to drought-affected herding households so that families could purchase essential food and meet urgent needs with dignity and flexibility. This approach helped stabilize food consumption during the peak of the drought and reduce the need for harmful coping strategies.
The project was implemented in close collaboration with community-based organizations (CBOs) and community members, ensuring strong local ownership and accountability. Community involvement in the planning, remediation, and monitoring strengthened the management of shared water resources and promoted long-term sustainability.
Through its integrated approach to aid and resilience, the project mitigated immediate risks associated with the drought while simultaneously laying the foundation for improved disaster preparedness. Monitoring and evaluation measures provided valuable experience that contributes to Tearfund Germany's long-term goal of building resilient pastoralist communities in Somalia capable of withstanding climate-related shocks.
