Sanaag and Bari Regions, Somalia: For farmers in rural Somalia, water is everything. Without it, crops wither, livestock weaken, and families go hungry. But for communities in Sanaag and Bari regions, accessing water has always been a struggle. Unpredictable rainfall, dry spells, and degraded wells have left farmers dependent on weather patterns they cannot control. That is why SEDO Somalia, in collaboration with the World Food Programme (WFP), launched a livelihood project to rehabilitate shallow wells across seven locations Barookhle, Dulcadale, and Ceeldaahir in Bosaso district, and Cirbiye and Manshax Caleed in Laasqorey district. The goal was simple but transformative; provide reliable access to water for both irrigation and domestic use, while supporting farmers to expand their existing plots and grow more food.
The project was designed with community participation at its core. WFP provided technical support and guidance, but the actual rehabilitation work was done by the farmers themselves. Community members were trained on how to rehabilitate the wells and were provided with the necessary tools and equipment. This hands-on approach ensured that farmers did not just receive a service they learned skills that would last long after the project ended. Over the project period, 100 shallow wells were rehabilitated, giving farmers a dependable source of water for their irrigation systems and reducing their reliance on erratic rainfall. While they worked, families received food distributions from WFP, easing the financial burden and allowing them to focus on the task at hand without worrying about their next meal.
The impact has been significant, With access to clean water, farmers have improved their agricultural productivity growing more crops, diversifying their farming activities, and extending their cultivated land. Families now have vegetables and grains for their own consumption, and surplus produce to sell at local markets. But perhaps the most lasting change is the sense of ownership the community now feels. By doing the work themselves, they have been empowered to take control of their own development. They are no longer waiting for outside help, they know how to maintain their wells, manage their water, and work together to solve problems. SEDO Somalia and WFP provided the tools and training, but the farmers of Sanaag and Bari provided the determination. And that is what will sustain this project for years to come.
