General Objective
To contribute to the reduction of long- term vulnerability of communities living in rural and urban areas of Hiran and Bay regions of Somalia.
Specific Objective
To enhance the capacity of local vulnerable communities to mitigate the effects of drought and conflicts through increased access to water and alternative livelihood activities
Specific Situation to be solved by the Project
Lack of access to sufficient, reliable, safe and sustainable water is a major problem affecting communities in Somalia. Livelihood activities are limited to livestock rearing and sedentary farming. Protracted fighting and recurrent natural disasters as floods, drought, famine and disease outbreak in Somalia, coupled with failed government mechanisms have as a consequence, left rural populations extremely underserved by functional social and economic services.
Recurring drought conditions and increased displacements of people from effects of war have increased pressure on existing water and productive resources. The few functioning water sources are overused as human and livestock compete for the same scarce water resources. Overcrowding of livestock is a major driver of poor sanitation around the water points. Water quality has been compromised by sharing of same water sources by both human beings and livestock. Water borne diseases are on the increase, further constraining the recovery efforts of communities. Additionally, IDPs are competing with the host communities in exploiting already limited livelihood activities, a recipe for conflicts if not promptly addressed.
The WALEP Project aims to rehabilitate/construct water sources to increase quantity and quality of water available for consumption by both human beings and their livestock. In addition, women groups will be strengthened to identify and start viable income generation activities (IGA) to complement incomes earned from farming activities. Vulnerable communities that include Internally Displaced Persons will be supported to acquire skills in improved farming and livestock management. Target beneficiaries will be provided with entrepreneurial skills useful in profitable management of new livelihood activities that they will be supported to start. Canals in the farming areas of Hiran Region of South Central Somalia will be rehabilitated through cash for work programme. In turn, the canals will be used to put additional land under irrigation as a way of mitigating against the droughts and to increase food availability to the food insecure households. Food security related projects that involve livestock and crop improvement will be supported. The support will strive to achieve increased production, productivity and diversification through support to rain fed and irrigation fed farming activities, to tap on river Shabelle, promoting indigenous drought tolerant crops e.g. cow peas, sorghum, vegetables, and livestock species e.g. cross-breeds.
