Somalia Launches Groundwater Training Programme to Strengthen Drought Resilience

GOOBJOOG NEWS | MOGADISHU: Somalia’s Ministry of Energy and Water Resources has begun a capacity-building programme for engineers and technical staff as part of a regional initiative aimed at strengthening the country’s ability to manage groundwater and respond to water shortages.

The ministry hosted an orientation session for participants in the Groundwater for Resilience (GW4R) Capacity Development Programme, which forms part of the Horn of Africa Groundwater for Resilience Project, known as Abaartire.

The session introduced participants to the programme’s structure, registration process and online learning platform, while also focusing on how they can make effective use of the training.

Director-General for Human Resources and Training Abdifitakh Abdullahi Adan and GW4R Somalia Coordinator Mohamed Mukhtar Maalim highlighted the importance of developing technical expertise to support Somalia’s water sector.

They encouraged participating engineers and technical staff to take full advantage of the programme and apply the knowledge gained to their work.

The initiative comes as Somalia continues to face recurrent droughts, erratic rainfall and pressure on water resources, making groundwater management an important part of efforts to improve water security and strengthen resilience among vulnerable communities.

The Horn of Africa Groundwater for Resilience programme is designed to improve access to groundwater and strengthen the capacity of institutions responsible for managing the resource across the region.

Building a stronger pool of engineers and water-sector specialists is particularly important as Somalia seeks longer-term solutions to repeated water shortages and climate-related shocks.

The orientation was organised and facilitated by Mohamed Musa Aden, communications specialist and programme focal person.

The capacity-development programme will provide participating technical staff with further learning through the project’s online training platform.