Over the past six months, Stichting Kaalo Nederland (SKN) collaborated with Hodan Fishing Cooperative (HFC) to implement a comprehensive training and equipping initiative in the coastal district of Eyl. The project aimed to alleviate the impacts of drought on the local population and concluded successfully in September 2023, benefitting a total of 160 drought-affected individuals.

Puntland State of Somalia, characterized by a semi-desert climate, has experienced prolonged droughts due to global warming and climatic factors. This has significantly impacted the traditional nomadic-pastoralist Somali society, compelling many to migrate to urban centers without capital or skills.

The primary objective of this initiative was to empower and generate employment opportunities for those who had transitioned from rural nomadic lifestyles to urban settings. Faced with the loss of their livestock, these individuals lacked the skills and means to sustain themselves and their families.

The first phase of the project focused on providing beneficiaries with essential fishing skills critical for success in the industry. The comprehensive training curriculum covered:

• Casting
• Precautions and fishing safety measures
• Swimming, patience and persistence
• Reading the water and stealth skills
• The proper use of fish preserving equipment.

In the final weeks of the project, participants transitioned to the equipping phase. Recognizing the perishable nature of fish and the challenges posed by microbiological spoilage, trainees were provided with vital fish-preserving equipment, including a large refrigerator and an ice-making machine. These tools are instrumental in ensuring the freshness and quality of the caught fish, allowing fishermen to bring their product to market in optimal condition, thereby securing sustainable livelihoods.

Through the acquisition of both skills and equipment, the beneficiaries of this project are now capable of providing food for their families and accessing a sustainable source of food and income. This project not only addresses the immediate challenges posed by climate-induced displacement but also fosters long-term resilience and self-sufficiency within the fishing community. Stichting Kaalo Nederland remains committed to initiatives that have a lasting positive impact on communities facing the complex challenges brought about by climate change and socio-economic shifts.