Summary
This week’s calls (29 January – 4 February 2026) primarily addressed the severe drought impacts. Listeners contacted Radio Ergo’s independent feedback platform from various regions nationwide, describing their difficulties and urging authorities and humanitarian organizations to provide assistance. The following themes emerged from these communications.

Humanitarian Aid/Displaced Persons – A caller from Abudwak reported that while some internally displaced persons in Borre camp had received Bahnano cash assistance, he and others had been overlooked. He requested his concerns be relayed to the aid agencies handling the distribution. A woman in Janale, Lower Shabelle, mentioned displacement from Aw-dhegle and requested aid. Another woman in Siinaay, Gedo, stated she had been displaced following farm failures in Bula-Abeb, experiencing food shortages and requiring assistance. A third woman near Wehan well in Beletweyne, Hiran, reported livestock deaths and struggling children, noting their inability to prepare adequate meals.

Livestock Concerns – A caller from Abudwak described goats exhibiting coughing and drooling symptoms, resulting in significant losses. A woman in Guriel reported goats with nasal discharge and dying. Another caller sought veterinary advice for goats scratching themselves until bleeding. From Ethiopia’s Somali Region, a caller inquired about treating sick, thin goats with weak limbs.

Agricultural Issues – Farming expert inquiries included a female farmer reporting ant infestations in her crops, requesting control methods. Two callers, including one in El-gal, Hiran, sought assistance with insects possibly affecting sesame crops. Others had questions regarding tree cultivation and maintenance.

Rainfall Reports – Two callers reported receiving rain this week. One from Buhodle, Togdher, noted positive conditions, while another from Gedo expressed happiness about the precipitation.

Drought Impacts – Callers from Somaliland included a resident of Borama, Awdal, describing an extended and widespread drought. In Togdher region, two callers from Dadmaren requested local authorities and aid organizations address their needs, particularly water shortages. One caller reiterated these concerns, mentioning the absence of health centers and schools, urging authorities to provide services. A farmer in Beer reported no water available for irrigation. A caller from Sahil requested humanitarian assistance. Two callers from Ula-weyne described severe drought conditions affecting people and livestock, with goats in distress and needing food, water, and fodder. They noted their remote location with poor road access but emphasized the urgency of aid. Several callers from Sanag region reported food shortages and dying livestock. In Sool, a caller from Ainabo highlighted two years without rain, dying livestock, and prayers for drought relief.

Puntland Responses – Callers from Karkar, Qardo, and Muranyo in Bari region reported drought-related difficulties. The Qardo caller specifically mentioned livestock deaths and requested assistance. From Eyl in Nugal, a caller reported food, water, and fodder shortages and appealed for help. In Mudug, a woman reported livestock deaths due to drought conditions.

Galgadud Region Reports – Numerous callers from Galgadud described drought-related challenges. In Abudwak, a caller reported water shortages, livestock deaths, and requested water aid. A Dusamareb farmer mentioned crop failure due to water scarcity, with people praying for rain. From El-lahelay, a caller asked veterinary experts for help with dying livestock. Several Guriel callers mentioned lives disrupted by drought, three consecutive failed rainy seasons, livestock deaths, and appeals to aid organizations. In Hiran, Beletweyne callers reported livestock deaths, farm failures, rising prices, and increased displacement. A Mahas woman described her situation as ‘not normal.’ Middle Shabelle received many calls, primarily from Jowhar, mostly requesting water aid. An Ali-warabey caller noted weak and diseased livestock. A woman in the region reported goat deaths from drought and crop failures due to water scarcity. In Lower Shabelle, two Wanleweyn callers mentioned significant livestock losses, water and food shortages. A Merka caller reported no fodder or water, with dying goats. Washaqo (Bakool) and Burhakaba (Bay) callers described water and food shortages with livestock deaths. Two Lower Juba callers indicated drought suffering. From Gedo, a Bardera caller mentioned intense heat, sick children, and a spreading diarrheal outbreak. A Qansahley caller appealed to Somalis for help, noting two years without rain, thin livestock, and ongoing heat and drought. A Labiley caller requested water trucking services.