EU Press Release: Investing in Resilience in Somaliland

On 1 April 2019, the European Union and the Government of Somaliland organised a workshop on “Investing in resilience in Somaliland”. The event gathered government institutions, donor partners, district commissioners, civil society organisations and other key stakeholders.

Participants discussed the challenges generated by recurrent droughts and measures to strengthen the resilience of households, communities and local authorities. With a combined support of €19 million, the EU, UK and Sweden are accompanying the efforts of the Government to anticipate, prevent and address the impact of droughts.

The workshop focused on how to achieve greater coordination and identified best practices and innovative mechanisms which could be promoted and scaled-up, such as cash transfers, social networks, job creation, economic development and water infrastructure development.

Minister of Planning and Development, Hon. Mr Awale Ibrahim Shirwa said that “thanks to our collective actions, our communities and our local institutions will be better prepared and equipped to face future droughts.” He emphasized the government’s appreciation of the foreseen activities aiming at developing and diversifying income‑generating activities.

“Because tomorrow starts today, because prevention is better than cure, the European Union and its Member states are committed to continue supporting the domestic efforts towards inclusive socio-economic development and better risk management“, said EU Head of Resilience, Infrastructure and Productive Sectors, Dr Hjördis D’Agostino Ogendo.

Background

EU, Sweden and UK are investing more than €19 million to address urgent needs and to reduce the vulnerability of Somaliland communities severely impacted by recurring droughts. More than 58,000 households from 16 districts across 5 regions of Somaliland will benefit from the initiatives. Projects will contribute to empowering the communities to identify and implement their own development and contingency plans, to boost their economy by increasing the productivity of existing livelihoods and by diversifying their sources of income. It will also improve their access to water and health.

Ongoing interventions implemented by 12 local and international NGOs regrouped under 3 consortia (BRICS, SOMREP and CRISP) are:

• Building the ability of communities and institutions to better manage climate shocks
• Protecting, strengthening and diversifying livelihoods
• Enhancing the management of strategic natural resources : rangeland and water

Contacts:  Pauline Gibourdel

Email: DELEGATION-SOMALIA@eeas.europa.eu