Ending desertification in Somalia with knowledge, good governance and durable species

The goal of Ramaad project is to tackle desertification in Somalia. By doing so, the lives of 200 000 people can be made easier as they suffer from drought, desertification, lack of farmlands, unemployment and one-sided nutrition.

Achieving the goal requires increasing environmental awareness, good environmental governance and the use of durable tree species. During the project, environmental centers have been established. They grow trees and test species suitable to the area.Tree samplings are being planted in people’s and schoolyards and public places.

The goal of planting trees is to improve soil quality, curb erosion and slow down desertification. It also improves food security as fruit trees provide with the much needed minerals and vitamins topping up the one-sided diet.

“I wish that the project would expand to several locations, so more people could gain from its benefits.”

Sahra (32) shopkeeper

Besides planting trees, the environmental centers give out information on the importance of environmental protection. They organize school visits and courses to improve the state of the environment.The centers also conserve local tree species and aim to increase the use of drought-durable species. The goal is that in the future the centers are self-sufficient from selling tree saplings. During the implementation of the Ramaad project, environmental awareness in the project areas has improved significantly and tens of thousands of trees have been planted.

Limiting charcoal production

One of the project goals is to diminish cutting trees to make charcoal. Drought and desertification have made it impossible to live the traditional cattle-herding lifestyle in many areas in Somalia. When people look for new means to support themselves, many have turned to the lucrative business of selling charcoal.

Schoolchildren’s knowledge on protecting trees and the negative effects of using charcoal has increased. It’s widely known that by increasing children’s environmental awareness, you can affect the whole family and future generations.

Environmental problems behind displacement and conflicts

Although it’s not possible to tackle all the effects of climate change with just a few Finnish Somalia Network projects, the catastrophe resilience of people can be increased. The poor state of the environment makes many young people leave and look for a better life in Europe.

The root cause for the increasing amount of people leaving their country and seeking an asylum is often the modest chances to making a living at home. It is predicted that environmental problems will play even a bigger role in the conflicts in the future. In the long run, development cooperation can promote peace and development also in Somalia.

Ramaad project aims to affect on the state of environment in Somalia by distributing information on sustainable use of natural resources and increasing earning possibilities in the project areas. Together with local authorities, a more sustainable environmental policy is shaped.

The decades-long conflict has made cooperation between different parts of the country more difficult. One project outcome is that the joint meetings between Somali project partners have made the cooperation easier and increased contacts between the actors of different environmental protection sectors.

The best practices of our first environmental project Sahansaho were implemented into planning of the Ramaad project.