Water crisis is a humanitarian crisis

• More than 80 per cent of the country is experiencing moderate to severe drought conditions

• 34 districts in Somalia are affected by drought. Some of the worst districts are in Somaliland and Puntland, as well as Galmudug, Hirsabelle and Jubaland.

• Only 52 percent of the population in Somalia have access to a basic water supply

• Limited regulation of private water suppliers often leads to expensive prices, forcing families to fetch water from far and from unsafe open wells.

• Clean water, basic toilets and good hygiene practices are critical for the survival and development of every community.

• Access to safe water is often further compromised; infrastructure is damaged, pipelines are in poor condition, and water collection is dangerous. People often live in overcrowded camps and without access to safe water, diseases and malnutrition spread even faster.

No water = No food

As of early to mid-2021, the number of people facing food insecurity is over 2.5 million due to the impact of consecutive, below-average rainfall seasons on crop and livestock production.

No water = No work, No Education

• Somalia is a population that primarily earns money by growing crops or raising sheep, goats, and cows (selling whatever isn’t consumed for survival to cover school books, health clinic bills, and other vital costs), these low rainfalls brought chaos to families already living in extreme poverty. 

• Collecting water is often the responsibility of girls and women – and it can be very dangerous. Many women and girls face conflict at water points and the risk of physical or sexual assault. Spending time collecting water also limits their time and possibility to go to school and work. This has an impact on not only the girls and women but also their communities and the economy at large.

• When schools have clean water, toilets and soap for hand-washing, children have a healthy learning environment, and girls are more likely to attend when they have their period.