Pastoralist families left destitute by the prolonged drought in southern parts of Somalia’s Mudug region have been given a gift of new livestock by members of the Galmudug diaspora community living in Norway.
Around 190 families each received 20 goats to help them get back on their feet and recover their livelihood. The families have been living on hand outs from other local relatives in villages including Haaro, Hero-Dhagaxley, Elgula, Bajaale and Hadiile villages in Mudug.
Ahmed Mohamud Hashi, the Commissioner of Haaro, assisted in the distribution of the goats. He was one of those involved in negotiating with the Galmudug community members abroad to help the drought-stricken families.
Buying the goats was agreed to be the most sustainable solution to their plight. The goats were bought for a total of $90,000 from sources in Nugal, Bari and Mudug regions.
“We handpicked the worst hit families who had lost all their livestock and were displaced from their previous locations. We are now in the rainy season and that is why we brought the livestock at such a crucial moment. The people will benefit as it is the mating season and the goats will multiply.”
Mohamed Ahmed Abdille, 50, a father of nine, came to Haaro six months ago when he could no longer survive in the rural area. He welcomed the 20 goats and two sacks of rice and flour he was given.
“Before the drought I had 100 goats and two camels. When we were displaced I arrived in Haaro with only five goats. We were desperately in need of these new animals and we are in a much better situation now. I have not taken my livestock back to my place. I will keep them here as for now I can find water,” he said.
Mohamed’s family has been heavily dependent on others for his basic needs, sharing food, water and shelter with host relatives. He occupies his time grazing his livestock around Haaro village.
Mohamud Osman Adan, a father of seven, lost his 240 goats and 14 camels in Hadiile, 160 km from Galkayo, in the drought. He and his family have also been relying on their relatives.
When he received his gift of 20 new goats he trekked off with them some 30 km from Hadiile where it has been raining in order to find them good supplies of water and pasture.
“We received the livestock and food and as I don’t have a means of transport I walked with the animals in search of grazing. I took them to the valley which has plenty of pasture. I have high hopes in these animals because now that there is rain and we have water they will multiply if the drought does not resume again,” he said
