SWALIM Builds IMC-Puntland and Line Ministry Staff on Land Degradation Monitoring and Sand Dune Mapping

As part of its ongoing Capacity Development Programme, FAO SWALIM conducted nine-day training on Land Degradation Monitoring and Sand Dune Mapping from 3 - 13 November 2025 in Martisoor Hotel, Garowe, Puntland. The training aimed to strengthen the capacity of government ministries and institutions to monitor soil erosion, vegetation change, and sand-dune expansion using Earth Observation tools. A total of 20 participants attended the training, drawn from the Information Management Centre (IMC), the Puntland Water Development Agency (PWDA), and various line ministries. This initiative supports SWALIM’s core mandates on environmental monitoring, natural resources assessment, and building national institutional capacity for sustainable land and water management across Somalia.

SWALIM Builds Government Capacity on Land Cover Mapping in Mogadishu

As part of its ongoing capacity-building programme, SWALIM–FAO conducted a Land Cover Mapping Training Using the LCCS3 Legend in Mogadishu from 10 to 21 August 2025. The training brought together technical staff from five Federal Government ministries and agencies – Agriculture and Irrigation, Environment and Climate Change, Livestock Forestry and Range, Energy and Water Resources, and the Somali National Bureau of Statistics. Selected graduates from SWALIM’s six-month on-the-job land cover mapping training also supported their peers during the sessions.

Mapping of river breakages for flood preparedness in Somalia

Floods remain one of the most devastating hazards in Somalia, causing widespread destruction of lives and livelihoods, while also displacing thousands of families each year. The country’s two main rivers (Juba and Shabelle rivers) are vital lifelines that support fishing, farming and water resources for millions of Somali people. However, the same rivers pose a serious risk when their banks are damaged. In August 2025, River breakage assessment conducted by FAO SWALIM has highlighted the extent of these challenges. The assessment, which involved satellite imagery analysis, identified critical weak points along both the rivers. In Juba River, 105 open breakages, 14 canal flooding points, 31 river overflow and 2 points closed with sandbags were identified, while along the Shabelle River 126 open breakages, 55 canal flooding points, 188 river overflow and 7 places closed with sandbags were identified.

SODMA and FAO Call for Immediate Preparedness Measures as Somalia Faces Severe Climate Challenges

Mogadishu, Somalia: Immediate preparedness measures are essential to safeguard Somali communities from the anticipated below-normal rainfall forecast for the March-April-May 2025 (Gu) season. This urgent call was made by the Somalia Disaster Management Agency (SODMA), the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), and key representatives from the Federal Government of Somalia (FGS) during the 69th Greater Horn of Africa Climate Outlook Forum (GHACOF 69), held recently in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Noting the critical need for increased investment in anticipatory action, SoDMA Commissioner, Mr. Mohamud Moallim, emphasized, "Since the last rainy season (Deyr 2024) has already failed and the upcoming one (Gu' 2025) is predicted to be below normal, now is the right time to anticipate what might potentially be a full-fledged drought-hazard, which might last for several seasons to come”

Land Degradation Monitoring and Mapping Training Using Google Earth Engine

Land degradation is a significant issue affecting ecosystems, agriculture, and livelihoods in Somaliland. The need for effective land management practices to combat soil erosion and other forms of degradation is urgent, especially in the face of climate change and unsustainable land use practices. As such, FAO SWALIM, in partnership with the Information Management Centre (IMC) Somaliland, organized a 9-day intensive training on Land Degradation Monitoring and Mapping using Google Earth Engine (GEE). This training was crucial in building the technical capacity of key personnel from IMC and line ministries, equipping them with the tools and knowledge required to assess and monitor land degradation using advanced geospatial technologies.

Puntland Strengthens Drought Monitoring Skills Using Combined Drought Index

As part of its Capacity Development Programme, SWALIM conducted a training on Drought Monitoring from June 23 to July 4, 2024, in Garoowe, Puntland. SWALIM acknowledges that both theoretical and practical knowledge on drought monitoring, analysis, and forecasting enhance the capabilities of Federal and State line ministries and departments in managing drought-related challenges. By utilizing a well-designed drought early warning system, institutions and individuals can take anticipatory actions to prevent drought from causing potential harm. This training is part of a broader strategy to improve disaster preparedness and resilience against adverse climate effects.

FAO and Italy Launch New Initiative to Enhance Watershed Management in Somalia

Mogadishu, Somalia – A new project to enhance the overall Somalia water and land resource information management within government institutions was launched today by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), the Embassy of Italy in Mogadishu and the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation (AICS). The project, "Strengthening Capacities of Integrated Watershed Management (SCIWM)," was officially signed in Mogadishu by representatives from the institutions.

Sustained “no regrets” humanitarian efforts urgently needed in response to drought in the Horn of Africa

The following statement is a joint alert by meteorological agencies and humanitarian partners. 16 February 2023; Nairobi, Kenya: The Horn of Africa is facing an unprecedented, three-year drought, with catastrophic humanitarian impacts.1 The occurrence of another poor rainy season between March–May 2023, as forecast by some meteorological agencies, would have devastating consequences for communities. Regardless of seasonal performance, humanitarian needs will remain high in 2023, and multi-sectoral assistance must be scaled up in order to save lives.

Climate-smart water harvesting and storage systems help rural communities overcome climate shocks

Accessing water for her livestock and crops has been a lifelong struggle for Muhubo Warsame, who lives in Puntland’s Qardho District. The area’s main source of water is deep wells which require generators to pump ground water to the surface. The cost of fuel and maintenance of these systems is a burden for the community and requires money that would otherwise be spent on education for the children, and buying food, medicine and other essential items.

EU and FAO handover a new Water and Land Information Management Centre to Government of Somalia in Puntland

The Centre will provide valuable data to help inform policy, programmes and development in the country.On 6 December 2021, the European Union (EU) and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) officially handed over the new Information Management Centre (IMC) to the Government of Somalia. The launch is part of ongoing joint efforts by FAO in conjunction with the Government to enhance technical and operational capacity to produce and provide water and land (WAL) information products and services that inform policy, planning and future development initiatives in the country.