In Somalia, climate change impacts the entire food system, from production to consumption. The increasing frequency of natural disasters and economic crises exacerbates food insecurity, particularly affecting vulnerable populations. Gender inequalities complicate these challenges, limiting women’s access to resources and decision-making power. Addressing these intertwined issues is crucial for ushering in sustainable development.

Madiino Sheeq Ahmadeey, a 40-year-old mother of eight in Beledsalaam Village, Beledweyne District, received her main income from her small husbandry business, which enabled her to sell milk and meat at the local market. However, prolonged droughts caused the death of four goats, and rising food prices left her struggling to feed her children and provide for their education. Just after she had had to sell her last two goats to meet her family’s basic needs, a project to advance climate resilience, nutrition, and gender equity provided relief:

“I was very happy when I heard that I was selected to receive five goats, as I had just recently lost my livestock. It took me almost a day to believe that I had been given goats at a time when I was stressed,” Madiino recalls.

Since receiving the goats, along with training on sustainable livestock management, Madiino’s situation has drastically improved. The goats have reproduced, bringing her herd size to eight. She sold one goat and used the proceeds to buy chickens and expand her husbandry. Now, with seven goats and four chickens, she sells fresh milk and eggs daily, giving her a steady income and boosting her family’s food and nutrition security. Her role as a primary income earner in her household also empowers her within her household and community.

1. This case study was prepared by Welthungerhilfe (WHH). The WHH project, implemented by the Centre for Peace and Democracy (CPD) and Sustainable Development and Peacebuilding Initiatives (SYPD), with funding from the Norwegian Agency for Development Cooperation (NORAD), aims to promote gender equity and increase food security and resilience among small-scale farmers, pastoralists, and agro-pastoralists affected by high food prices and the current drought, as well as vulnerable households at risk of malnutrition. Interventions include, for example, the provision of community assets for climate-resilient agricultural food production, gender equity and inclusion training, and social safety net measures.