The recent weekly feedback report from Radio Ergo’s independent audience feedback platform reveals a varied landscape across Somalia, where the impact of weather conditions on the lives and livelihoods of its citizens is a mixed bag. In many regions such as Sanag, Puntland, central areas, and southern regions including Gedo, callers reported rainfall, which has replenished water sources for some, though others noted sporadic and scattered showers.
Amidst the rainfall, severe drought conditions persist in Mudug and Galgadud regions, as well as Hiran, Middle Shabelle, Bay, and Bakool. These areas are addressing livestock losses and food shortages, with no rainfall reported in their areas. Despite the drought, farmers across the country are taking advantage of the recent weather to plant crops, as indicated by many callers to the weekly farming programme.
Livestock diseases remain a significant concern for pastoralists. Callers to the radio’s veterinary experts spoke of challenges such as parasites attacking goats in Gedo and Sanag, and diarrhoea affecting goats in Sanag. Additionally, two callers living near rivers sought help in averting potential floods, highlighting the complex relationship between weather and safety in various regions.
The report also touches on agriculture — related issues, with several callers noting problems with caterpillars destroying crops such as maize and beans, as well as vegetation for animal fodder. Women farmers in Gedo and Dusamareb requested advice on growing bananas and managing pests, while a farmer in Beletweyne sought information on why her lemons remained small despite adequate watering. Another farmer in Wanleweyne complained about pests attacking his kale and onions, and the yellowing of his bananas.
The mental health programme on Radio Ergo received positive feedback, with callers speaking about issues such as memory loss, anxiety, and insomnia. One female caller expressed feelings of dizziness and constant self-talk due to stress, stemming from raising a son alone amidst food shortages.
In terms of rainfall, callers from various regions reported different outcomes. In Sanag, Erigabo, Armale, and Marawade, rain was reported, with some callers hoping for similar conditions in drier areas. In Puntland, callers in Qardo, Garowe, and Godobjiran also reported rainfall and improving conditions. However, in Gedo, while some celebrated rain, others noted that their livestock were still thin and weak, and that the rainfall had not yet made a significant impact.
The drought conditions persist in Mudug region, with callers in Galkayo and Harhar reporting severe drought and livestock deaths. In Galgadud, callers from Abudwak, Ado-Kibir, El-dher, and Guriel echoed these concerns, with one caller in Qurdubale expressing gratitude to Radio Ergo for its services. In Hiran, some callers reported that they had not yet received rain.
In Middle Shabelle, a caller in Adale reported that all livestock had died, while others in Jowhar and Warsheikh appealed for help due to drought and food shortages. A pastoralist from Yontoy, Lower Juba, called for help, describing weak and dying animals unable to move to areas that had received rainfall.
Source: reliefweb
