Gender, Climate and Conflict Analysis in Somalia and Assessment of Opportunities for Climate Smart Agriculture and Livelihood Opportunities for Crisis-affected and At-risk Women in Somalia

UN Women Somalia Office with Support of the Government of Japan undertook Gender, Climate and Conflict analysis in Somalia and assessed opportunities for climate-smart agriculture, livelihood opportunities for crisis-affected and at-risk women in select locations in Somalia under the Women's Leadership, Empowerment, Access and Protection (LEAP) project.

The climatic conditions in Somalia challenge the cultivation of certain crops due to high temperatures and low rainfall levels. Thus, the majority of the population has resorted to pastoralism. From time to time, pastoralists migrate with their livestock in search of better grazing lands. They often compete for the green grazing grounds and arable lands with individuals who are cultivating those lands, which frequently results in tensions and conflicts. Once in those IDP sites, males are sometimes recruited into militant groups, while females are exposed to gender-based violence.

In view of the situation in Somalia, particularly issues related to gender, climate and conflict, there is a need to improve the livelihoods of people living in IDP settings; integrate climate risks into security planning to avert potential conflicts; develop a system that collects and reports data on sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV); support farmers in adopting climate smart agriculture; and enhance the use of technology in agriculture. To achieve this, there is a need to increase food security in IDP settings by subsidizing modern farming tools/inputs and high-quality seeds; promote the use of technology in agriculture; and enhance training of households on progressive agricultural practices.