Initial Assessment
This inaugural report for the new year compiles feedback received through Radio Ergo’s toll-free service between January 1-7, 2026. Most callers described severe challenges stemming from the persistent drought, with many reporting extreme conditions including water scarcity, food shortages, lack of livestock feed, barren farmlands, and deceased or ailing animals. Some individuals mentioned they had lost their livelihoods and been impoverished due to conflict-induced displacement. Agricultural workers in Hirshabelle specifically reported crop damage from aphid infestations. The majority of calls originated from central and southern regions of the country. (A technical problem with the platform during this period appears to have restricted call volume from northern areas – this issue is currently under investigation).
Radio Ergo welcomes listeners nationwide, with many contacting the service to discuss daily life and economic difficulties, while others participate in specialized programs featuring specialists in healthcare, agriculture, animal husbandry, environmental issues, psychological well-being, and dietary matters.
These weekly reports are created and distributed to connect listeners (local populations) with a broader network of interested parties. The following section organizes the week’s feedback by subject category.
Health – A resident of Baidoa in Bay region reported living in a displaced persons camp, where drought conditions had facilitated the spread of illnesses such as pertussis, measles, and most recently acute watery diarrhea caused by water scarcity. He emphasized that camp residents required humanitarian assistance from aid organizations.
Nutrition – Two individuals sought expert advice regarding malnutrition affecting seniors. A caller from Jowhar inquired about assistance for an elderly family member suffering from nutritional deficiencies, noting that local non-governmental organizations primarily focused on services for children and expectant mothers. He requested information on how older adults could obtain support. Another female caller from Lower Shabelle asked about alternatives for mothers unable to breastfeed their infants for the recommended two-year period as suggested by medical professionals.
Internally Displaced Persons – A resident of Bula-Jameo in Baidoa reported being among individuals displaced from Busle, having lost their means of sustenance and now experiencing significant hardship and destitution. In Lower Shabelle, a woman from Marka stated that people displaced from the El-Warego region were enduring difficult conditions in a camp for displaced persons. She requested that her message be disseminated to attract support.
Animal Husbandry – Several callers requested veterinary assistance regarding parasites affecting camel and goat populations. A woman in Qansahley (Gedo region) reported that her animals were underweight and unhealthy despite receiving supplemental feed. She requested guidance on improving their physical condition. A nomadic herder from Jarirow in Hiran region explained that local drought conditions had sickened their livestock, seeking advice on treating their animal herds.
Agriculture – Cultivators in Beletweyne, Balad, and Jowhar reported aphid infestations destroying crops including maize, tomatoes, and animal feed. Other farmers described unidentified pests consuming various crops and vegetables. One individual mentioned complete crop failure on their land due to water scarcity and requested recommendations for agricultural techniques requiring minimal water resources.
Drought and Water Scarcity – This topic generated the highest volume of calls. Feedback was received from various locations throughout Galmudug. A woman in Bohol described extreme drought conditions. Among several callers from Dusamareb, a female individual requested assistance due to drought and water shortages. A resident of Do’oley reported having no access to water or livestock feed. In El-dhere, one caller mentioned complete agricultural failure and requested support for drilling boreholes to address water requirements. Women from Higlale and Mirisyale stated they lacked water and that their animals were suffering, necessitating aid. In Hiran, a farmer in Beletweyne observed the worrisome decline in the Shabelle River’s water level. A female caller reported dying livestock with only contaminated mineral-rich groundwater available for consumption. Another expressed exhaustion from continuously searching for animal fodder. Multiple callers from Middle Shabelle highlighted challenging conditions affecting both humans and animals. In Lower Shabelle, a resident of Shalabood appealed for help due to water scarcity. A caller from Wanlaweyn mentioned that a container of water cost 7,000 shillings. An individual in Warsheikh requested humanitarian intervention amid drought and conflict in their area. In Janale, two women living in camps reported displacement due to drought and conflict in Awdhegle, destitution without water, and lack of employment opportunities. A caller from Bardera in Gedo region stated their livestock were perishing from drought. Several residents of Garbaharey reported difficulties caused by severe drought. A person in Luq requested food and water assistance from aid agencies. Multiple callers from unspecified locations in Jubbaland described hardships affecting people and resulting in animal deaths. Two women from Ethiopia’s Somali Region, including one in Ferfer, reported dead or dying livestock, food shortages, and appealed for assistance.
