This is our first report of the new year, based on the collection of calls recorded on Radio Ergo’s toll-free platform in the week 1-7 January 2026. The majority of callers spoke about the hardships they are experiencing as a result of the ongoing drought, many of them describing extreme conditions with no water, lack of food and livestock fodder, dried up farms, and dead or sick livestock. Some callers indicated losing livelihoods and driven into destitution after being displaced by conflict. Farmers particularly in Hirshabelle areas complained of aphid attacks on their crops. The majority of calls overall came from central regions and southern regions. (There appears to have been a technical issue on the platform during the week limiting calls from northern regions – we are looking into this).
The Radio Ergo platform is open to audiences across the country, many of whom call to share their daily lives and livelihoods challenges, whilst others engage with some of the thematic programmes we broadcast involving experts on health, farming, livestock, environment, mental health, and nutrition.
We produce and share these weekly analysis reports in order to connect audiences (local communities) with a wider network of relevant stakeholders.
Read the full report and analysis of feedback from communities across Somalia
