The Somalia Water and Land Information Management (SWALIM) system has been instrumental in addressing knowledge gaps and building capacity in Somalia, which has lagged behind its neighboring countries in terms of scientific and academic institutions. SWALIM has amassed a significant archive of land and water data, fulfilling a vital role in knowledge management. This knowledge is valuable not only for Somalia's government but also for the recovery of the nation's universities. SWALIM's data, information, and knowledge on land and water resources also hold importance for the Horn of Africa Drylands (HAD) region, particularly in the context of climate change and environmental issues that affect multiple HAD states. SWALIM collaborates effectively with the Intergovernmental Authority on Development Climate Prediction and Applications Centre (ICPAC) on climate science, monitoring, and communication, acknowledging Somalia's unique circumstances and its need for critical environmental data.

Throughout Somalia, SWALIM contributes to rehabilitation and recovery programs, focusing on enhancing resilience and sustainable rural development. SWALIM works closely with public and academic institutions, including government ministries related to agriculture, environment, livestock, water resources, planning, and disaster management. The aim is to ensure the sustainability of information products and services, and SWALIM maintains a strong capacity support component to achieve this goal. SWALIM is well-positioned to contribute to the objectives of the DOWN2EARTH project, particularly concerning Somalia's participation and the dissemination of research outcomes to benefit communities, regional/state governments, NGOs, and development stakeholders.

The impact of SWALIM's efforts is seen in improved water and food security in the Horn of Africa Drylands, achieved through community-centered adaptation and resilience to climate change impacts. The desired outcome is the translation of climate information into decision support for social adaptation, policy development, and resilience to water scarcity in the Horn of Africa Drylands. In Somalia, FAO plays a leading role in coordinating and monitoring humanitarian interventions in agriculture and livestock sectors, collecting and disseminating up-to-date information on food security, nutrition, and natural resources, and ensuring coordinated livelihood interventions.

SWALIM's five phases since 2003 have yielded notable achievements, including the establishment of functional weather and river monitoring networks, groundwater aquifer monitoring, profiling and mapping of water sources, comprehensive land resource assessments, and the development of multiple land and water information systems. Three regional field offices have been set up, and capacity development programs have been initiated for government ministries and institutions, encompassing various training programs and support for data centers.