Mogadishu, Somalia–In celebration of World Press Freedom Day, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) Somalia puts a spotlight on its digital initiatives, including radio, and the role of information in tackling the frequent climate related shocks that affect Somalia. 

Since 2020, FAO Somalia has been engaged in information and communication actions to raise awareness and understanding of climate smart agricultural practices.  The information empowers communities with the knowledge and tools needed to combat the adverse effects of climate change on agriculture. 

To increase access to climate information, FAO Somalia developed a series of radio magazines dedicated to Climate Smart Agriculture, guiding actions to transform agricultural systems and ensure food security in a changing climate. Through this programme, FAO Somalia delivers radio messages and interactive training modules to rural communities, empowering them with the knowledge and tools to adapt to changing climatic condition. 

Climate change is already impacting food security globally, disrupting food availability, access, and quality. Advanced technologies such as improved crop varieties and eco-friendly pest control methods are vital for improving crop production. FAO Somalia's Water and Land Information Management Unit (SWALIM) utilizes various data sources to track flood risks and issue early warning alerts. Following the floods of the Shabelle River in 2023, SWALIM conducted an online survey, revealing that recipients found the warnings timely and useful, with all taking appropriate action. 

In March 2022, the United Nations Secretary-General announced a new initiative, Early Warning 4 All (EW4ALL), aimed at ensuring universal access to Early Warning Systems (EWS) within five years. FAO Somalia, in alignment with the Climate Change Adaptation Communication strategy, plans to organize capacity-building initiatives for Somali environmental journalists and media professionals. These initiatives will foster stakeholder understanding of climate change and disaster risk reduction, enabling preparedness and adaptation. 

Etienne Peterschmitt, FAO Representative in Somalia, emphasizes the importance of information dissemination in building resilience: "Through effective communication strategies and capacity-building initiatives, FAO Somalia aims to empower communities and stakeholders with the knowledge and tools needed to address environmental challenges and promote sustainable development." 

Mario Acunzo FAO Communication for Development team leader noted: “By leveraging local media, digital technologies and collaborating with communities and institutions, FAO Somalia has successfully amplified the voices of rural people, strengthened their resilience to climate change, and promoted press freedom in Somalia”. 

As we commemorate World Press Freedom Day, FAO Somalia reaffirms its dedication to supporting a free and independent media environment, where journalists can play a vital role in amplifying the voices of people on the frontlines of climate change.

For more information contact:

Name: Masimba Nyamanhindi

Title: Communication Specialist

Office: FAO Somalia

Email: [email protected]

Phone: +252 770812119

Twitter: @faosomalia