Attachments
Brief Analysis
Among calls to Radio Ergo’s audience feedback platform in the week 17-23 April 2025, concerns over the devastating impact of drought continued to dominate, although there were also a significant number of callers reporting rainfall in their areas. Many of those calling about the impact of drought appealed for aid or assistance, including IDPs in Abudwak, Galgadud region. Livestock diseases or sickness were reported both in connection with drought and with cold, rainy conditions. The following summarises the calls by theme and adds further details.
Rainfall – callers reporting rain in their areas came mainly from central and southern regions. Several in Garowe, Puntland, and in Galkayo, Mudug, said rain had cooled the temperatures and was benefiting people and their livestock. In Galgadud region, callers welcomed rainfall in Adado, Abudwak, Biyo-gadud, and Dusamareb after long months of drought. A few in Hiran, Middle Shabelle, parts of Bay region, Lower Juba, and Gedo regions also called to talk about rainfall received that was improving conditions. One caller in Kismayo said they and their livestock were doing well. Another in Gedo said their livestock were now recovering from the drought.
Weather forecasts – information about the weather is very popular among listeners. A caller in Hiran wanted more details about the volume of water in the river Shabelle. A caller in Togdher said the nomadic pastoralists relied on the weather updates and wanted more regular details to be broadcast.
IDPs/Aid – two callers in Abudwak said they were IDPs suffering from the severe drought in the area. They said they were short of food and appealed for their message to be shared so they could get aid from humanitarian organisations.
Drought and water shortage - there were many calls about the drought in the north, including places that were specifically identified such as Gabiley, Salahley, Hagal, Habareyse, and parts of Sanag region including Haylan. Most said they were short of water and needed support. A few called from Puntland. In Mudug, a caller in Goldogob said they were facing drought and water shortage and their crops had failed. Among many callers from Galgadud, a female caller said the drought was severe and their livestock were dying. She said they needed aid organisations to help them. Others expressed similar concerns from Idole, Hananbure, Guriel, and Bali-sonkor. Several people called from Middle Shabelle region saying they faced water and food shortages. One caller appealed for help from aid organisations and the government. A female caller in Lower Shabelle said they lacked water and their livestock were dying. She appealed for help. Others called from parts of Bay and Bakool saying there was no water or vegetation for livestock.
Agriculture – callers to Radio Ergo’s farming programme were mainly concerned about pest invasions of their crops. One caller said his crops kept being attacked by camels, cows and goats, and they urged the pastoralists to take care of their livestock.
Livestock – many of the callers to the radio’s livestock programme had concerns over diseases connected with drought conditions. A caller in Ainabo, Sool region, said severe drought had affected their herds and they wanted help with CCPP disease. Another female caller who didn’t specify her location, said their livestock were dying although they had received the rainfall they were waiting for. She said some animals were dying due to the weather change and others had been washed away in floods. She said they needed help.