Photo: Norway in Somalia on X
The Shabelle River is one of the two major rivers in Somalia. Communities across the Shabelle River Basin are increasingly exposed to floods, prolonged droughts, riverbank erosion and land degradation. These climate change impacts result in water scarcity, food insecurity and loss of livelihoods, particularly for agropastoralists. Rural and urban communities are increasingly vulnerable as climate hazards threaten productive assets, water security, agriculture and overall socio-economic stability in the basin.
Climate drivers are compounded by decades of socio-economic challenges, including poverty, displacement, limited institutional capacity, and insufficient investment in long-term climate resilience.
To help address these challenges, the ‘Enhancing Adaptive and Resilient Nature-based Solutions in Somalia’ (EARNSS) project was designed to strengthen the adaptive capacity of vulnerable communities throughout the Shabelle River Basin. The project focuses on scaling innovative Nature-based Solutions (NbS) and hybrid adaptation measures to reduce the impacts of floods and droughts. Key interventions include sustainable urban drainage systems, river embankment restoration, climate-smart rangeland management, water retention systems, soil conservation measures, and community-led adaptation planning. Importantly, the project also aims to strengthen institutional capacity, improve enabling policies, and generate knowledge to support long-term climate resilience and sustainable development in Somalia.
The development of this project began with the United Nations Environment Programe (UNEP) and SADAR Development and Resilience Institute (SADAR) collaboratively developing an Adaptation Fund Concept Note to secure finance. Following the AF’s approval of the Concept Note, C4 EcoSolutions was engaged to lead the development of the full Project Proposal, including the incorporation and resolution of technical comments received from the Adaptation Fund Secretariat. Working closely with project partners and stakeholders in country, C4 deployed consultants in country to lead an Inception Workshop with UNEP, SADAR and government stakeholders in attendance. C4 refined the proposal package, preparing it for consideration at the 46th Meeting of the Adaptation Fund Board.
C4 is proud to announce that the EARNSS Project Proposal was officially approved at the 46th Meeting of the Adaptation Fund Board in April . This approval marks a major step forward for climate adaptation and resilience-building in Somalia, and the success of the proposed adaptation interventions will hopefully serve as an evidence base for future adaptation in the country and broader region. In addition, this marks UNEP’s first adaptation project in Somalia — an important achievement to pave the way for the organisation to expand its positive impact in the country. C4 looks forward to witnessing the implementation of this crucial project, as do the Somali communities living on the banks of the Shabelle.