Brief Analysis
The calls to Radio Ergo’s independent audience feedback platform this week (March 26 to April 4, 2026) show varied conditions across Somalia regarding weather patterns and their impact on people’s lives and livelihoods. Callers reported rainfall in many regions, particularly Sanag, Puntland, some central areas, and southern regions including Gedo. Some of these callers mentioned that they now had replenished water sources, while others indicated only sporadic and scattered rainfall. Simultaneously, the platform received a significantly larger number of callers stating they were still experiencing severe drought conditions, with livestock losses and food shortages, and that rainfall had not reached their areas. Although an overall pattern would be difficult to determine, these callers mainly came from Mudug and Galgadud, as well as from Hiran, Middle Shabelle, and Bay and Bakool. However, there were many callers to the weekly farming program, indicating that farmers were engaged in planting. Livestock diseases remained a concern for pastoralists calling the radio veterinary experts. Two callers residing near rivers requested assistance in preventing floods. Nutrition was a popular topic among women callers this week, and the mental health program also resonated with audiences based on feedback. The following summarizes the calls by theme.

Agriculture – several callers noted problems with caterpillars destroying crops like maize and beans, as well as vegetation for animal fodder. Others mentioned crop pests including aphids. Women farmers in Gedo and Dusamareb sought advice on growing bananas and keeping pests away. Another woman in Beletweyne inquired about why her lemons remained very small despite watering the trees. In Wanleweyne, a farmer complained that his kale and onions had been attacked by pests, and that the leaves on his recently planted bananas had partially turned yellow. A farmer in Beletweyne wanted experts’ advice on how to channel water to their crops without losing it to the cracks across their farmland.

Livestock – among callers to the radio veterinary experts, some herders connected their livestock challenges to the drought. A caller from Dollow, Gedo, mentioned they were facing drought and that recently parasites had begun attacking their goats. Another in Sanag similarly reported facing drought and livestock disease, including diarrhea affecting their goats.

Floods – two callers requested help in preventing river floods near people’s homes. The caller in Beletweyne asked aid organizations to assist them in avoiding flood losses, especially considering they were already made vulnerable by the drought.

IDPs – a caller in Badbado camp in Adado, Galmudug, stated that people there were experiencing intense heat and unemployment. He mentioned there were many IDP families in the camp suffering food and water shortages. He wanted their message to be conveyed to aid organizations.

Nutrition – a mother in Guriel sought medical advice for her malnourished daughter, who had become thin and ill despite being given nutritious food. A breastfeeding mother in Dollow, Gedo, said they lacked access to porridge or other supplements they needed. Two women asked experts questions about the connection between malnutrition and eyesight.

Mental Health – callers to the weekly “Mind” program spoke of problems including memory loss, anxiety, and insomnia. One female caller from an unspecified location mentioned feeling dizzy and constantly talking to herself due to stress. She explained that she had one son whom she had raised alone and that they were facing food shortage.

Rain – three callers in Erigabo, Armale, Marawade in Sanag region reported receiving rainfall. One mentioned that rainclouds were still visible and that people should pray and stop begging. A female caller expressed hope that others in areas still dry would also receive rain. A few callers across Puntland, including Qardo, Garowe, and Godobjiran, confirmed rainfall and improving conditions.

In Galgadud, callers in several areas including Adado, Guriel, Dusamareb and Hareri-dare reported rain and better conditions. One in Ghideys, however, noted that the rain had cooled the temperature but had been minimal. One caller each in Beletweyne, Jowhar, and Kismayo mentioned receiving some rain. In Gedo, several called from Bardera celebrating the rain, although one added that their livestock were still thin and weak. Another caller in Garbaharey mentioned they had not yet begun to feel the effects of the rainfall they were receiving.

Drought conditions – in Mudug region, callers in Galkayo and Harhar reported facing severe drought and dying livestock, adding that they needed aid. A caller in Harardhere blamed airplanes for dispersing rainclouds whenever they formed. There were many callers discussing drought from across Galgadud. Among several from Abudwak, a female caller mentioned they had been afflicted by drought and conflicts and their livestock were dying. A caller in Ado-Kibir stated that the drought and water shortages were severe in the area and they needed aid agencies to help. A caller in El-dher expressed concern about drought and diseases affecting livestock. Several called from Guriel describing harsh conditions and uncertainty. One said their goats were dying and they needed intervention to save their remaining animals. A female caller in Qurdubale mentioned that the drought there was severe and people were appealing for help. She thanked Radio Ergo for the services.

A few in Hiran reported they hadn’t yet received rain. Among many callers in Middle Shabelle, one in Adale mentioned their livestock had all died. Some in Jowhar said they were dealing with drought while awaiting rain. A caller in Warsheikh mentioned they were appealing for help due to drought and food shortage affecting people in the area.

A female calling from Yontoy, Lower Juba, stated she was a pastoralist whose goats and cows were weak and dying. They were unable to move with their feeble animals to areas that had received rainfall. She added an appeal for help.

Several callers in parts of Bay and Bakool expressed concern over drought and livestock losses, though one or two noted signs of pending rainfall. Two in El-Ade and Bardera, Gedo, also mentioned facing challenges due to drought, lack of water, and failed rain.