Brief Analysis
This report analyzes calls received on Radio Ergo’s nationwide audience feedback platform between March 12-25, 2026. Due to the Eid season and technical platform issues, we couldn’t achieve our usual weekly processing and analysis target. During this reporting period, callers remained focused on the drought’s severe impact on livelihoods nationwide, reporting livestock losses, water shortages, and food insecurity. Many requested aid or assistance while awaiting rainfall. Toward the end of the period, several callers from different regions reported receiving rain, though some noted it was scattered or inconsistent. Concerns also emerged about livestock diseases in drought-weakened herds. Approximately one-third of callers were female, discussing drought conditions, livestock disease, conflict, rainfall, and nutrition.

The following provides a summary of calls by theme.

Livestock – callers to the Radio Vet program expressed concerns about diseases affecting their goats, camels, and sheep. A caller from Sanag reported swollen camels, while his goats had bleeding noses and bloody waste. Callers in central regions mentioned goats with diarrhea, miscarriages, and CCPP disease. A female caller from Mataban, Hiran, sought treatment for sick goats affected by water and fodder shortages. A female caller from Kismayo, Lower Juba, requested veterinary advice for goats with cowpox, also expressing concern about the severe local drought. A caller from Beledhawo, Gedo, described their camels as having a flu-like illness. A caller from the Somali Region of Ethiopia sought advice for treating sheep with swollen necks that were dying.

Conflict – female callers from Buhodle, Togdher, and Galmudug reported that conflict and insecurity were worsening their difficulties with drought and poor living conditions. A male caller from Abudwak also highlighted the combined impact of drought and conflict.

Nutrition – a female caller from Adado, Galgadud, inquired with radio experts whether malnutrition might be causing her young daughter’s eye problems.

Weather information – callers from Jowhar, M.Shabelle, and Buale, M.Juba, requested more frequent weather updates and analysis. This is a common request from Radio Ergo listeners.

Rainfall – three callers from Gedo region (Bardera and Fahfadhun) reported receiving beneficial rainfall. Two callers from Jowhar mentioned rain, though one described it as intermittent. Several callers from various parts of Galgadud and Bari regions noted rain, while a caller from Qardo described it as light. A female caller from Sanag (unspecified location) stated the rain was helping them recover from drought conditions.

Drought and Impact – several callers (March 20-21) from Togdher region expressed concerns about ongoing drought conditions and their effects on livestock, including animal deaths. A female caller from Buhodle reported facing drought and local conflicts, with no water or fodder for livestock, skyrocketing food prices, and a need for aid. A larger number of callers from various parts of Sanag region (March 12-21), including Yufle, Hadaftimo, and Dhahar, reported drought conditions, dying livestock, and water and food shortages.

In Puntland’s Bari region, a caller reported losing all livestock, facing uncertainty, and needing assistance. Other callers from Karkar, Isku-shuban, and Qardo described severe drought conditions with water and food shortages. The greatest number of drought-related calls came from multiple locations across Galgadud. A female caller noted her farms were affected by water scarcity. Callers from Qalanqale, Las-hordhere, Hananbure, Dusamareb, and Do’oley reported livestock deaths, decimated herds, and a need for help. Among others from Abudwak, two female callers mentioned losing livestock, struggling with conditions, and praying for rain.

In Hiran region, callers from Jawil and Mataban reported livestock deaths and a need for aid. In M. Shabelle, callers from Jowhar, Mahaday, Balad, and Adale described being severely affected by drought. One caller from Jowhar (March 15) noted the low water level of the Shabelle River; another reported the river water was brackish and undrinkable. In Bay and Bakool regions, a caller from Wajid stated that people were vulnerable after losing livestock, with rainfall occurring in some areas but not others. A caller from Qansadhere requested assistance due to facing a dire situation. In Gedo region, callers from Bardera reported food and water shortages. A caller from Buale, M. Juba, requested weather forecasts, stating they were suffering from drought and water scarcity. A caller from Kismayo (March 13) reported dry conditions locally, but noted rain had fallen in Dhobley and Afmadow.