Why Somalia’s Pastoralists Are Central to Climate Resilience

Across Somalia’s drylands, pastoralist communities have spent generations mastering survival in one of the world’s harshest climates. Long before climate adaptation became a global policy agenda, Somali pastoralists were already practicing mobility, resource sharing, drought forecasting, and ecosystem stewardship.

Today, that knowledge matters more than ever.

As the world marks the International Year of Rangelands and Pastoralists (IYRP) 2026, there is growing global recognition that rangelands are not empty spaces. They are living ecosystems that sustain livelihoods, biodiversity, food systems, and climate resilience for millions of people worldwide.

For Somalia, this conversation is deeply personal.

Pastoralism is not simply an economic activity. It is culture, identity, and survival.

Needs Assessment and Targeting:

PHASE conducts rigorous needs assessments to identify the most vulnerable households and communities in need of emergency food assistance. We use participatory methods, community consultations, and vulnerability criteria to target assistance to those facing acute food insecurity, malnutrition, and hunger.

Food Distribution and Delivery:

PHASE provides emergency food aid through various delivery modalities, including in-kind food distribution, cash transfers, vouchers, and food-for-work programs, depending on the context and needs of the affected population.

Nutrition Support and Supplementary Feeding:

In addition to providing staple food items, PHASE incorporates nutrition support and supplementary feeding programs into our emergency food aid interventions to address malnutrition and micronutrient deficiencies among vulnerable groups.

Monitoring and Evaluation:

PHASE conducts rigorous monitoring and evaluation of its emergency food aid programs to assess the effectiveness, impact, and coverage of assistance, as well as to identify gaps and areas for improvement.

Coordination and Partnerships:

PHASE recognizes the importance of coordination and collaboration with other humanitarian actors, government agencies, and local organizations in delivering emergency food aid effectively and efficiently.

Child Protection:

PHASE works to prevent and respond to child abuse, exploitation, neglect, and violence through a range of interventions aimed at promoting child rights, ensuring childfriendly environments, and strengthening child protection systems.

Gender-Based Violence (SGBV):

PHASE addresses the root causes of SGBV and provides comprehensive support to survivors through prevention, protection, and response initiatives. We raise awareness about SGBV, challenge harmful gender norms and attitudes, and promote gender equality and women’s empowerment.

Female Genital Mutilation/Cutting (FGM/C):

PHASE works to eliminate the practice of FGM/C through community mobilization, advocacy, and education. We raise awareness about the harmful effects of FGM/C on girls’ health, well-being, and rights, and promote alternative rites of passage that celebrate girls’ transition to womanhood without harmful practices.

Legal Protection and Access to Justice:

PHASE supports survivors of violence in accessing legal protection and seeking justice through legal aid services, referral networks, and capacity-building initiatives for justice sector actors.

Community-Based Protection:

PHASE strengthens community-based protection mechanisms and networks to prevent and respond to violations of human rights and ensure the safety and well-being of vulnerable individuals and groups. We engage communities in identifying protection risks, developing early warning systems, and mobilizing collective action to address protection concerns.

Conflict Mediation and Dialogue:

PHASE facilitates dialogue and mediation processes to address underlying grievances, resolve disputes, and build consensus among conflicting parties. Community Mobilization and Engagement: PHASE engages communities in peacebuilding activities to promote ownership, participation, and collective action for peace.

Reconciliation and Healing:

PHASE supports reconciliation processes that promote healing, forgiveness, and social cohesion among individuals and communities affected by conflict.

Conflict Prevention and Early Warning:

PHASE works to prevent the escalation of conflicts and mitigate their impact by strengthening early warning systems, promoting conflict sensitivity, and building local capacities for conflict prevention.

Youth Engagement and Empowerment:

PHASE prioritizes the meaningful participation and leadership of youth in peacebuilding efforts, recognizing their potential as agents of change and drivers of peace.

Gender and Inclusion:

PHASE integrates gender-responsive approaches and promotes the inclusion of marginalized groups, including women, girls, and minorities, in peacebuilding processes. We ensure that women’s voices are heard, their needs are addressed, and their participation is valued in decision-making spaces related to peace and security

Skills Training and Capacity Building:

PHASE offers a range of skills training programs tailored to the needs and aspirations of community members. These programs cover various sectors, including agriculture, animal husbandry, handicrafts, small scale businesses, and vocational trades.

Agricultural Development:

Agriculture is a primary source of livelihood for many rural communities, and PHASE supports farmers with training, inputs, and technical assistance to improve agricultural productivity and resilience.

Microenterprise Development:

PHASE provides support to microentrepreneurs and small businesses by offering access to microfinance services, business development training, and market linkages.

Value Chain Development:

PHASE works to strengthen value chains and market systems to create opportunities for smallholder farmers, producers, and artisans to access markets, increase their incomes, and improve their competitiveness.

Financial Inclusion and Savings:

PHASE promotes financial inclusion by facilitating access to formal and informal financial services, such as savings accounts, microloans, insurance products, and remittance services.

Market Access and Trade Promotion:

PHASE supports market-oriented interventions that connect producers with buyers, expand market opportunities, and promote fair trade practices. We facilitate market linkages, trade fairs, and business networking events to showcase local products, facilitate buyer-seller relationships, and negotiate fair prices.

Vocational Training and Skills Development:

PHASE offers vocational training programs that equip young people with practical skills in various trades, such as carpentry, tailoring, plumbing, and computer literacy.

Education and Literacy:

Education is a fundamental right and a powerful tool for empowering youth and breaking the cycle of poverty. PHASE supports access to quality education by establishing community learning centers, providing scholarships and school supplies, and conducting literacy and numeracy programs for out-of-school youth.

Life Skills and Leadership Development:

PHASE facilitates workshops and training sessions that focus on developing essential life skills, such as communication, problem-solving, decisionmaking, and conflict resolution.

Entrepreneurship and Financial Literacy:

PHASE promotes entrepreneurship among youth by providing training in business development, financial management, and market analysis. We support aspiring young entrepreneurs with access to microfinance loans, business mentorship, and networking opportunities, enabling them to start or expand their own ventures and generate sustainable livelihoods.

Health and Well-being:

PHASE addresses the unique health needs and challenges faced by young people, including sexual and reproductive health, substance abuse, mental health, and HIV/ AIDS prevention.

Community Engagement and Civic Participation:

PHASE encourages youth participation in community development initiatives, volunteerism, and civic engagement activities.

Water Supply:

We work to ensure reliable access to safe and clean water sources for drinking, cooking, and personal hygiene. This includes the construction and rehabilitation of water infrastructure such as boreholes, wells, water purification systems, and elevated water tanks to provide sustainable water supply solutions

Sanitation Facilities:

PHASE is committed to improving sanitation conditions by promoting the construction of latrines, handwashing stations, and waste disposal systems. We prioritize the provision of gender-sensitive sanitation facilities in schools, health centers, and community settings to promote hygiene practices and prevent the spread of waterborne diseases.

Hygiene Promotion:

Our hygiene promotion activities focus on raising awareness and promoting behavior change regarding key hygiene practices such as handwashing with soap, safe food handling, menstrual hygiene management, and environmental sanitation. We conduct community-led hygiene education sessions, distribute hygiene kits, and engage local leaders and influencers to reinforce positive hygiene behaviors.

Emergency Response:

In times of crisis or humanitarian emergencies, PHASE provides rapid WASH assistance to affected populations, including the provision of emergency water supply, sanitation facilities, and hygiene kits.

Integration with Health and Nutrition:

Recognizing the interconnectedness of WASH with health and nutrition outcomes, we integrate WASH interventions into broader health and nutrition programs. This includes supporting maternal and child health services, promoting exclusive breastfeeding, and addressing waterrelated diseases such as diarrhea and malnutrition through improved access to clean water and sanitation facilities.

Clean water helps keep kids in school, especially girls.

Less time collecting water means more time in class. Clean water and proper toilets at school means teenage girls don’t have to stay home for a week out of every month.

How do we tackle the water crisis?

We work with local experts and community members to find the best sustainable solution in each place where we work, whether it’s a well, a piped system, a BioSand Filter, or a system for harvesting rainwater. And with every water point we fund, our partners coordinate sanitation and hygiene training, and establish a local Water Committee to help keep water flowing for years to come.