"Our village used to suffer greatly from the floods. Every year, we would lose our homes and crops. But now, with the new flood barriers and better farming techniques, we feel much safer. We also see people from different clans working together, which was rare before."
Fatima Ali, Community member in Maandheere Village, Jowhar District.

Climate volatility is the new normal for Somalia. Water is not only essential to human survival but also an integral part of climate resilience; reliance on regular rainfall seasons is no longer viable for agricultural production, and huge swathes of the country face water scarcity, while other areas have huge excesses of water that is not harnessed. This excess causes extensive damage to homes, farmlands and overall infrastructures.

The Jowhar Offstream Storage Programme (JOSP) is a USD 160 million programme that seeks to rehabilitate a large irrigation system scheme in Somalia’s Hirshabelle State. The programme was designed to reduce flood risk and mitigate drought in two regions in Hirshabelle State, targeting 1.65 million people. 

JOSP is a flagship multi-donor, multi-year, interagency and intergovernmental initiative. The programme prioritizes vulnerable communities often affected by climate shocks, aiming to provide equitable access to resources and promote resilient livelihoods. Additionally, the initiative will strengthen institutional capacity for effective natural resource management. 

Community members in Maandheere working together to collect water, highlighting resilience and unity in the face of daily challenges. Photo: IOM Somalia 2024/Abdirahman Mahamud

In addition to the existing climate changes, the communities of Shidle, Baare, Galj’jel, and Moblen have long been embroiled in inter-clan disputes. These have been intensified by the competition over limited resources. The absence of humanitarian interventions that are sensitive to the conflict and a lack of social integration initiatives are some of the factors that have further escalated these tensions. The unavailability of advanced agricultural techniques, inadequate irrigation systems, significant deforestation, soil erosion, and excessive grazing have all contributed to these challenges, underscoring the necessity for a holistic and inclusive strategy to build resilience and encourage sustainable growth.

IOM Somalia, one of the leading agencies of the JOSP, has spearheaded a vital initiative through its Community Stabilization programme, in partnership with NUROS 9 (a consultancy firm based in Jowhar working with IOM on the JOSP community-led flood resilience activity), to construct robust structures that are designed to protect the designated villages from the devastating impacts of flooding. In a remarkable display of unity, men and women from various clans have come together, working side by side in the excavation and construction efforts. However, the scope of this project extends beyond mere physical labour; it serves as a conduit for enhancing agricultural methodologies, while simultaneously nurturing inter-communal dialogue and cooperation. These endeavours are not just about reinforcing infrastructure—they are about weaving the fabric of community resilience and solidarity, laying the groundwork for a future where collaboration triumphs over division. 

Aerial shot of Earthworks set up by members of Deymosame and Maandheere villages to mitigate flooding in Jowhar district. Photo: IOM Somalia 2024/Abdirahman Mahamud

Learning New Skills 

Through this initiative, community members were introduced to innovative agricultural techniques designed to boost their crop production and implement water conservation strategies more effectively. They also mastered the art of erosion and sediment control, learning to plant a variety of vegetation along the riverbanks to fortify the area. Through these experiences, the community members came to realize the significance of working together, recognizing that collective efforts are essential in overcoming the challenges they face as a community. This project not only equipped them with practical skills but also fostered a spirit of unity and shared purpose, essential for driving sustainable change and development.

Seeing Results 

From May to July 2024, the initiative already showed results. The structures constructed by IOM successfully controlled flooding in Deymosame and Maandheere villages, making homes and farmlands safer. More importantly, there was a noticeable change within the communities. People from different clans began to communicate more and collaborate. Women, who previously lacked a voice, were included in the decision-making processes.

Looking Ahead

Future interventions will continue the focus on flood preparedness activities by integrating cutting-edge early alert systems, bolstering community education efforts, and prioritizing durable infrastructure improvements. Communities will not only be better equipped to handle natural calamities but also empowered to achieve lasting stability. This initiative marks the initial phase of a more comprehensive plan aimed at nurturing sustainable growth and resilience throughout the region. 

"The collaboration between IOM Somalia, local authorities, and the communities is vital for our region. This project not only addresses the immediate threat of flooding but also builds a foundation for lasting peace and sustainable development. By working together, we can create resilient communities that are better prepared for future challenges."
Osman Barey, District Commissioner, Jowhar.

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