Mataban – Somalia’s most recent drought, the worst in 40 years, affected nearly half of the country’s population, leading to the internal displacement of over 1.1 million people and causing severe water shortages that resulted in widespread food insecurity. In response, the Deegaan Bile Hirshabelle Initiative was launched to address climate-induced displacements and foster peace and stability.

This initiative also known as “Breaking the Climate Conflict Cycle” in Hirshabelle State, concluded in February 2024, leaving a significant positive impact on communities in Mataban District. Launched in August 2022, the community-led initiative has enhanced food security, promoted environmental sustainability, facilitated access to clean water and energy and fostered economic empowerment.

One of the notable achievements of the initiative was the community-led planting of 1,840 trees. These trees provide shade for residents and vital protection for soil from erosion and wind damage, helping sustain livelihoods through agriculture and livestock rearing.

Ubah Isse Siyad, a community leader in Beergadid Village, emphasized the importance of this effort, saying: “I believe in the value of leading tree planting activities for reforestation and combating climate change.”

Through this initiative, emphasis was placed on helping women gain skills, knowledge and resources to start and expand their businesses, fostering a more inclusive environment where women can thrive and contribute to economic development.

Deegaan Bile also focused on building capacity; 309 farmers received training on farming best practices such as drip irrigation, crop management and innovative water harvesting techniques. Additionally, 31 farmers’ cooperatives were formed to promote knowledge sharing, collaboration and natural resource management as a means of building social cohesion.

In Mataban, farms were often neglected and unfenced, leaving them vulnerable to livestock encroachment and crop destruction. Through the Deegan Bile initiative, 12 farms were rehabilitated and fenced to safeguard agricultural produce, providing a sense of security.

“The fencing has protected my crops from livestock encroachment and by adopting sustainable agricultural practices, I am now able to provide for my family,” shared Abdirahman Ahmed Abdulle, a farmer from Mataban.

The initiative led to the establishment of a resource management committee comprising of clan elders, farmers, and pastoralists who participated in six intracommunal dialogues; the discussions focused on trust building activities and the impact climate change has had on livelihoods and security.

Through a co-funding mechanism supported by the International Organization for Migration (IOM), Mataban residents remarkably raised $50,000 which was used to construct two livestock markets and provide additional agricultural support to farmers. Deegaan Bile prioritized government leadership and community ownership for all interventions, bringing together diverse community members to identify their goals.

“Unity and targeted interventions are drivers of social cohesion in communities, especially when they follow the whole-of-government, whole-of-society approach,” said Frantz Celestin, IOM Somalia Chief of Mission. “IOM has empowered families to rebuild their communities.”

Deegaan Bile Hirshabelle was implemented by IOM in collaboration with the Government of Hirshabelle State and funded by European Union Foreign Policy Instrument (EU-FPI).

For more information contact IOM Somalia Media smsom-media@iom.int