HARGEISA, Somaliland – “This dam is our lifeline,” says 69-year-old pastoralist Abdirahman Abdi Noor, looking out over the still waters shimmering in the sun.
Once, he owned over 100 camels — his family’s pride and livelihood. But years of recurring droughts wiped out almost all of them. “Only five remain,” he says quietly. There are not many exepctations and aspirations for him at this moment. “What we need is just water, and, if possible, maybe a few more of these dams so that it will be sufficient for all.”
The dam in Abdirahman’s village has become a vital source of life — not only for his community but also for 20 neighboring villages, including some across the border in Ethiopia. For thousands of families, it means clean water for drinking and livestock — a lifeline in a region where every drop counts.
This water facility is among 200 climate-resilient infrastructures built in Somaliland by UNDP, with support from the Global Environment Facility (GEF), benefiting more than 100,000 people over the past decade. These efforts are part of a broader strategy to enhance community resilience in the face of climate change and environmental degradation.
Strengthening Local Governance and Capacity
Beyond providing water, the project has played a crucial role in strengthening the capacity of Somali authorities and communities to manage natural resources effectively.
“Our partnership with UNDP in Somaliland goes far beyond the construction of vital infrastructure like dams and Berkads,” says Mr. Adan Ibrahim Jama, technical expert from the Department of Range and Forest at the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change (MOECC), Somaliland.
This partnership has been instrumental in shaping the National Adaptation Plan (NAP), enhancing policy frameworks, and building the capacity of local institutions in Somaliland.
“Together, we are implementing comprehensive projects aimed at mitigating the impacts of climate change, ensuring that our communities are resilient and equipped to face future challenges,” says Mr. Jama.
The most notable feature of the work we have done is their sustainability, says Maxamed Cabdi Haariye, current Mayor of the Salahley District which hosts the famous dam. “The infrastructure built with the support of UNDP are still functioning well. For example, the solar lightening system in the IDP camp is still in full operation. If you visit this area in the night, it looks like a city. The municipality takes the responsibility of maintenance and repairs,” said Haariye.
Proving livelihoods options for the most vulnerable
As the impact of drought is increasing and the flow of IDPs have been increasing, the number of IDPs flocking into the nearby city centers has increased. According to the latest UN reports, severe drought conditions, following prolonged dry spells, have been reported in several regions of Somaliland, particularly Awdal, Woqooyi Galbeed, and Sanaag.
The local government with the support of UNDP and the Somaliland Ministry of Fisheries is supporting the most vulnerable communities with
Lately, UNDP is working with the Somaliland government on a blue economy project that aims to support and empower the most vulnerable fishing communities in Berbera, said Samira Hassan Ahmed, head of UNDP Area office in Hargeisa. The initiative is providing solar-powered cold storage facilities, training and tools that are critical for the fishing community, especially the small-scale fish farmers, to improve their income. According to UNDP, around one-thirds of fish catch goes to waste before reaching the final market due to lack of enough cold storage facilities, technical skills for post-harvest handling and transport logistics.
The climate response in Somaliland exemplifies how targeted investments in infrastructure and community capacity can actually transform lives but these are still too small in scale, and they need to be substantively scaled up. As Abdirahman reflects on the importance of the dam, his call for more water facilities resonates deeply. “We need more of such dams,” he emphasizes, highlighting the ongoing need for sustainable solutions to combat the challenges posed by climate change and resource scarcity.
