FAO SWALIM: Somalia Water and Land Information ManagementFAO SWALIM: Somalia Water and Land Information Management

Hydrogeological Survey of Somalia

Despite groundwater being the main source of water for humans, agriculture and livestock, there is neither a hydrogeological map nor a sound policy for groundwater management and exploration in Somalia. SWALIM undertook a quantitative and updated assessment of the groundwater resources of Somaliland and Puntland and the set-up of a system for groundwater level monitoring.

Supporting sustainable water resource management

The development of new groundwater sources in Somalia is fraught with challenges. SWALIM has been working closely with the Somali Government Water Authorities and the United Nations WASH Cluster (Water, Sanitation and Hygiene) in developing systems for monitoring water sources in Somalia.

Sustainable water use

Water is Life! SWALIM project has developed systems for monitoring surface and groundwater in Somalia to support planning, development and sustainable exploitation of the scarce and valuable water resources in the country.

Capacity development

SWALIM’s capacity development activities address all three dimensions of the capacity development paradigm, i.e. individuals, organizations and the enabling environment. SWALIM seeks to strengthen these three dimensions together in order to put in place a viable capability for sustainable water and land resource management within Somali institutions.

Land Resources of Somalia

Land resources in Somalia are varied and diverse. Up-to-date Information about these resources ensures informed decisions on their management and utilization, subsequently guaranteeing they will remain for the welfare of future generations.

Remote Sensing

Remote Sensing is a powerful tool wthat can enable detailed land analysis on a large scale and be used for environmental monitoring at regional and/or country level. Information extracted from satellite images are essential for informed land planning, consistent natural resources assessment, disaster early warning and management, and other tasks.

Information for action

Accurate uptodate and highquality information is essential for the sustainable management of water and land resources swalim the somali water and land information management project has made huge strides in increasing the quantity and quality of available baseline data and information on land and water in somalia

Humanitarian Response Plan 2018

Despite the challenging operating environment, local and international humanitarian partners are reaching more than three million people per month, and are committed to build on achievements from 2017 and continue highly targeted famine prevention efforts in 2018. The 2018 Humanitarian Response Plan (HRP), developed by the Somalia Humanitarian Country Team (HCT) in close consultations with Federal and State authorities, extends famine prevention efforts into 2018.

We cannot wait for famine to be declared; we must act now

Interview with Rein Paulsen, Director of the FAO Office of Emergencies and Resilience - 05-08-2022

Rome – More than 900 000 people in Somalia, mostly living in rural areas, have moved to internally displaced persons camps since January 2021 due to the drought and lack of livelihood support.

Somalia water sources livemap (SWIMS)

Somalia climate data series and Ground water

Flood Risk and Response Information Management

SWALIM Drought Monitoring Tool

Somalia Floods dashboard

Somalia spatial data portal

Somalia national river flow archive

PROSCAL Charcoal Sites

Swalim News and Events

Somalia Ground Water Monitoring Webinar

FAO SWALIM in collaboration with the Federal Government of Somalia’s Ministry of Energy and Water Resources will be hosting a webinar to discuss the ongoing Groundwater monitoring in Somalia. This critical information will be instrumental in planning for the forecast LaNina and related humanitarian interventions.

FAO-SWALIM Work in Puntland

Since 2006 Somalia Water and Land Information Management (SWALIM) has been operating in Puntland. Informative data has been collected on land, water and climate. The information is organized in themes: Water resources (Climate, floods, water resources and water reports); Land resources (Land degradation, Land suitability, soils and land reports). This information is generated with the support of a strong Information management, GIS and remote sensing units in collaboration with Puntland government partner institutions. SWALIM information management team has organized the data to facilitate quick retrieval through a variety of online and offline platforms. Download publication (pdf, 3.5 MB)

The Puntland water and land resources – Information Management Center

The Information Management Center (IMC) will be a special agency under the Puntland State of Somalia whose main function shall be to collect, process and analyze water and land resources information in coordination with the relevant government institutions, in support of policy development for sustainable and integrated water and land resources management, and to provide water and land related data and information to the end users. Download pdf(2.5 MB)

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Journal Publications

Validation of the CHIRPS satellite rainfall estimates over eastern Africa

Long and temporally consistent rainfall time series are essential in climate analyses and applications.

Uncovering the challenges of domestic energy access in the context of weather and climate extremes in Somalia

In Somalia, challenges related to energy access is influenced by both weather and climate extremes and associated conflict.

Towards a spatial Data Infrastructure for Somalia using open source standards

SDI is a well-known concept in Africa, many countries are on the way to having a formal SDI strategy Certain countries, such as Somalia, are starting the process of nation building after years of war.

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In focus

Land Degradation Monitoring and Mapping Training Using Google Earth Engine

The training, held from 8th to 19th September, 2024, provided participants with comprehensive knowledge of land degradation dynamics, its causes, and impacts, focusing on soil erosion as a major form of degradation.

Puntland Strengthens Drought Monitoring Skills Using Combined Drought Index

As part of its Capacity Development Programme, SWALIM conducted a training on Drought Monitoring from June 23 to July 4, 2024, in Garoowe, Puntland. SWALIM acknowledges that both theoretical and practical knowledge on drought monitoring, analysis, and forecasting enhance the capabilities of Federal and State line ministries and departments in managing drought-related challenges.

FAO and Italy Launch New Initiative to Enhance Watershed Management in Somalia

Mogadishu, Somalia – A new project to enhance the overall Somalia water and land resource information management within government institutions was launched today by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), the Embassy of Italy in Mogadishu and the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation (AICS). The project, "Strengthening Capacities of Integrated Watershed Management (SCIWM)," was officially signed in Mogadishu by representatives from the institutions.

Sustained “no regrets” humanitarian efforts urgently needed in response to drought in the Horn of Africa

Catastrophic consequences of the multi-year drought will continue in 2023, leaving communities in urgent need of assistance. Seasonal forecasts suggest a reasonable chance that the upcoming March–May rains will again underperform which, should it occur, would be an unprecedented sixth poor season. Communities will need years to recover from this historically severe drought.

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SWALIM Publications

Somalia Rainfall Forecast – Issued 01 November 2024

According to NAA-NCEP GFS, rainfall is expected to continue over most parts of Somaliland with a sustained spread of light rains over Hiran, Bay and Bakool regions.

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Somalia Rainfall Forecast – Issued 18 October 2024

Based on the seasonal forecast, the third week of October signals the onset of Deyr rains over much of the country with general southwards spread from Somaliland.

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Somalia Rainfall Forecast – Issued 11 October 2024

Based on the seasonal forecast, the onset of Deyr rains is expected over Puntland and southmost parts of the country.

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Somalia Seasonal Rainfall Outlook for Deyr 2024 - Issued 01 October 2024

According to ICPAC, the October-November-December forecast indicates a high likelihood of below-normal rainfall driven by La Niña conditions. Additionally, there is a high probability of a delayed onset of rains in the southern and central parts of the country.

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Donors

SWALIM is a multi-donor project managed by FAO and currently funded by The European Union, USAID, SDC, FCDO and Government of France

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