Mogadishu, Somalia – For centuries, Somali pastoralists have thrived in one of the harshest climates on Earth, navigating cycles of drought, scarce pasture, and erratic rainfall. Today, as climate change accelerates, their traditional practices are increasingly recognized as a blueprint for resilience.

Pastoralism remains the backbone of Somalia’s rural economy, supporting nearly 60% of the population and accounting for about 40% of the country’s GDP and 80% of export earnings, mainly through livestock trade. The survival of pastoralist families has long depended on mobility—moving herds seasonally in search of water and grazing land. This flexible, adaptive system reduces pressure on fragile ecosystems and allows communities to withstand shocks that might devastate sedentary farming.

Elders often lead in negotiating shared access to water points and grazing corridors, using customary law known as xeer to resolve disputes peacefully. These traditional governance structures, built on consensus and reciprocity, are critical for managing resources under stress. With prolonged droughts now affecting over 6.7 million Somalis in recent years, such conflict-mitigation mechanisms remain vital.

Experts say modern adaptation strategies could draw from these practices. Blending indigenous knowledge with technology—such as satellite mapping of pasture, drought early warning systems, and mobile money for herders—could strengthen resilience. International agencies working in Somalia increasingly promote “climate-smart pastoralism,” recognizing that survival depends not only on aid but on reinforcing systems already proven by history.

In the face of a warming world, Somali pastoralism is more than a livelihood—it is a living guide to adaptation.