Mogadishu, Somalia – The Food and Agriculture Organization’s Somalia Water and Land Information Management (FAO-SWALIM) unit and the Ministry of Agriculture and Irrigation have launched the first in a series of six hydrometeorological (hydromet) workshops across Somalia, aimed at enhancing the country’s capacity to monitor, analyze, and respond to weather and climate-related challenges.

The inaugural workshop convened observers, technical experts, and government representatives to improve the quality of data collection, bridge existing monitoring gaps, and integrate local knowledge with modern technology. Organizers emphasized that the initiative is critical for a country facing recurring droughts, floods, and climate shocks that disrupt livelihoods and threaten food security.

Hydromet systems—networks that capture weather, water, and climate information—are considered vital in Somalia, where decades of conflict and weak infrastructure have limited reliable monitoring. By standardizing data collection methods and training field observers, the workshops are expected to generate more accurate and timely information that can guide disaster preparedness, agricultural planning, and water resource management.

Officials noted that the series of workshops will be rolled out across all regions, ensuring broader national coverage and stronger local ownership. According to the Ministry of Agriculture, the effort is designed not only to modernize data systems but also to empower local communities who possess traditional knowledge of rainfall patterns, water cycles, and environmental changes.

FAO-SWALIM stressed that blending local expertise with advanced technology, such as automated weather stations and digital mapping tools, will help Somalia build resilience against climate-related shocks. Better forecasting and analysis, they added, will support early warning systems, safeguard vulnerable communities, and strengthen national planning efforts.

The launch marks a significant step toward developing a robust national hydromet framework. Once fully implemented, Somalia will have an improved ability to anticipate and respond to climate risks, protecting lives, livelihoods, and critical resources in the process.