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.

5000+

Water Points Mapped

Flood Risk and Response Information Management

Combined Drought Index

Spatial Datasets

106 Map Layers

27 Documents

220,000+

Charcoal Sites Mapped

Swalim News and Events

FAO-SWALIM Recognised for Partnership with Banadir University

FAO SWALIM has been working together with academic institutions in order to foster long-term research relationships on specific projects of interest and to generate knowledge for the betterment of the lives of Somali communities.

FAO SWALIM Sponsors Ministry Staff in Meteorological instruments and methods of observation Course

Six staff from the Ministries of Agriculture in Somalia (2 from PL, SL, and FGS) graduated today after attending a three months course in Meteorological instruments and methods of observation

Floods in Beletweyne Leave Families Devastated

Belet Weyne district in Hiraan region has is witnessing one of the worst floods in history, with the river at full bank level for the last 11 days, about 68% of the town is inundated according to analysis by FAO SWALIM

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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

FAO-SWALIM river level gauge readers show Resilience, commitment and hard work in a difficult environment

Hussein Ali, fictional name, works as river level gauge reader for FAO-SWALIM (Somali Water and Land Information Management). In the midst of clan disputes, he walks to the middle of the bridge that divides into two a town along the Shabelle river, one of the two main rivers of Somalia.

FAO-SWALIM adjusts its modus operandi to overcome the physical limitations of the pandemic

19 May 2020, Mogadishu - When COVID-19 suddenly emerged in Somalia, authorities imposed an international travel ban to prevent spread of the deadly infection. For 14 government staff members from Somaliland and Puntland who were going to receive induction training for the Integrated Land and Water Resources Management (ILRWM) project, their plan was doomed; the training would have to be postponed.

Belet Weyne Flood Update - Issued 15 May 2020

BeletWeyne: 15 May 2020, a total of seven square kilometers of agricultural land has been inundated while 10 Sq km of the urban areas is flooded. The floodwaters are expected to start receding in the next 4 to 5 days there being no foreseen rains in the district and within the Ethiopian highlands.

Somalia Facing Risk of Floods in the Juba and Shabelle Basins

Following heavy rains, river levels increased considerably along the Juba and Shabelle Rivers leading to flooding along the Juba. Flash floods were also experienced in Bay and Bakool Regions.

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SWALIM Publications

Somalia Rainfall Forecast - Issued: 27 November 2020

The last few days saw increased rainfall amounts in parts of Somaliland and Puntland which were associated with the passage of Tropical Storm GATI. Some stations like Bossaso recorded 128 mm surpassing its annual average rainfall (50mm) in just a single day on 23 November 2020.

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Tropical Storm Update - Issued: 25 November 2020

Tropical Storm GATI dissipated leaving a trail of destruction in parts of Bari and Sanaag regions The tropical storm GATI that developed on 22 November and intensified in the following day on 23 November 2020 lost its intensity and dissipated in the last 12 hours.

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Tropical Storm Update - Issued: 24 November 2020

Tropical Storm GATI weakened leaving a trail of destruction in parts of Bari and Sanaag regions The tropical storm GATI has weakened further and is moving westwards with a speed of 7KPH. It is expected to dissipate in the next 12 hours.

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Somalia Rainfall Forecast - Issued 12 November 2020

There has been a significant decline of rainfall amounts across Somalia over the last week. In the north western regions of Awdal, Wooqoyi Galbeed and Toghdheer, a prolonged dry period has been observed since the last week of September 2020.

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Donors

SWALIM is a multi-donor project managed by FAO and currently funded by EU, The Italian Cooperation, The World Bank, DFID, USAID and SHF