Sameera Casmod | sameerac@radioislam.co.za
20 October 2023 | 10:07 CAT
2-min read

Severe drought and deforestation have led to tree planting initiatives in Somaliland.
Picture: Somali Youth for Climate Action

Recurring droughts have ravaged Somaliland, leaving a trail of acute food and water scarcity and compelling families to migrate in search of resources. The impact of these unforgiving climatic challenges has extended to education, disrupting the schooling of many children. Abdi Dahir, an advocate for environmental sustainability, joined Radio Islam International to discuss his efforts in mitigating the effects of the prolonged drought through tree planting.

Dahir elucidated the multifaceted impact of the continuous droughts on the Somalian region, emphasising the challenges faced by the education sector. “The last five years, Somalia has been experiencing droughts,” he shared, underscoring the vulnerability of the region. “The disruptions of the land, caused by the drought, force schools to close temporarily, disrupting the education of the students,” he explained, highlighting the compounded issues arising from water scarcity hindering regular school attendance.

Dahir’s initiative in opening a nursery for tree planting serves as a beacon of hope amidst these challenges. “In the last 30 years, Somalia has been lagging behind in terms of tree planting,” he stated. Citing rampant deforestation as a contributing factor to the drought, Abdi Dahir’s project aims to create awareness and educate the youth about the importance of tree cultivation. “The only way we can introduce people to plant trees is to grow those which can bear fruits,” he emphasised, underlining the crucial role of educating the community about sustainable practices.

Despite facing obstacles in funding, Dahir’s efforts have resulted in the successful planting of 80 000 trees within a year, with ambitions to expand further. Calling for support, he appealed to South Africans for contributions in procuring seedlings and aiding in the recruitment of young Somalians to participate in the tree planting efforts. He stressed the importance of focusing on tree varieties resilient to the region’s weather conditions, with a goal of planting millions of trees within a year.

Dahir’s dedication and resilience in the face of environmental adversity stand as a testament to the potential for grassroots initiatives to combat pressing challenges. As Somaliland continues to grapple with the repercussions of prolonged droughts, efforts like Abdi Dahir’s remain crucial in fostering sustainable practices and securing a better future for the region.

For more information, visit the Somali Youth for Climate Action or Mohamud Dahir Abdi accounts.

Listen to the full interview on Sabaahul Muslim with Moulana Sulaimaan Ravat here.