Under the scorching sun in Somaliland, farmer Muhummad Mohamad Ismail digs shallow basins around his orange and papaya trees to trap scarce rainwater. After losing more than half his crop to drought, he says survival depends on conserving every drop.
“We have a water borehole with a small channel that gradually directs rainwater into it during the rainy season,” he explains. “However, due to climate change, we are now facing increasing water shortages.”
Water scarcity is worsening across Somalia, including Somaliland. The World Food Programme estimates that about 4.4 million people — roughly a quarter of the population — are facing severe food insecurity as prolonged drought grips the region.
Farmer Faysal Omar Salah says this year’s harvest was minimal. “We only planted a small amount of beans toward the end of the rainy season, but even that withered as the drought intensified,” he says.
Turning to Israel for Water Expertise
Amid the crisis, Somaliland officials are looking to Israel following its decision to recognise Somaliland. Authorities hope Israel’s advanced expertise in water management, irrigation technology, and arid-land agriculture can help revitalise the sector, which accounts for up to 25% of GDP.
A first group of 25 Somaliland water workers has begun training, and Israeli experts are expected to arrive soon to install new water management technology.
As drought tightens its grip, farmers say long-term solutions — not just seasonal rains — are critical to securing livelihoods and preventing deeper food shortages.
SOURCE : AFRICA NEWS
