Attachments
Brief Analysis
This week (19-25 March 2025) most calls to Radio Ergo’s nationwide audience feedback platform continued to describe harsh conditions and impact of drought. People notably from Sanag, Nugal, Galmudug, and some parts of the south, spoke of food and water shortages, dying livestock, and their need for aid. There were many calls from livestock owners seeking advice or treatment for animal diseases. On the other hand, a few callers noted the arrival of rainfall in Togdher, Middle and Lower Shabelle, and part of South West state. (Overall, there were fewer callers captured in the report this week. Others called to share Eid greetings, which are aired by the radio and not included here.) The following summarises the calls by theme.
Livestock – callers in Buhodle, Togdher region, complained of mouth disease affecting their goats and diarrhoea affecting their sheep. They wanted advice on treatment. In Galmudug, a female caller in Bahdo said her goats had cowpox with severe sores on their bodies. She wanted her message to be shared with the radio vet for advice on treatment. A caller in Kismayo, Lower Juba, said their livestock were ill and dying from unknown diseases. They urgently needed veterinary assistance. Other callers spoke of CCPP disease, ticks and lice infestations, and foot and mouth in Somali Region of Ethiopia.
Nutrition/Aid - A caller in Bardera, Gedo region, complained that people were selling the PlumpyNut nutrition sachets intended for malnourished people. A female caller in Dalsan, Galgadud, said her small babies were eating soil. She wanted to know what nutritional problem they had and how to stop them from eating sand.
Conflict – a caller in Lasanod, Sool region, said they were facing water shortages and conflict in the area. Many people had been displaced and they were appealing for help. Another female caller in Sool said they were suffering from drought and conflict and their water wells had dried up.
Rainfall – a caller in Sabawanag, Togdher, said they were pleased to have received rainfall. In Middle Shabelle, a caller in Jowhar said the ‘gu rainfall had started on 20th March and they were happy. Another caller said rainfall had started in South West state. A caller in Idow, Lower Shabelle, said rainfall had begun in some areas.
Drought and water shortage – two callers in Togdher, including one in Dadmaren, said the water shortage was severe and they were hoping for rainfall. In Sanag, a caller in El-Afweyne said they were concerned about the drought in the area. The people and livestock were facing food shortage and they were appealing for help. A female caller in Erigabo said drought and water shortages were a major challenge. Another in Sanag said the land was dry and they were running out of water. He wanted their message to be shared to get help. In Nugal region, a caller in Garowe said prolonged drought and food shortages were causing hardships and they were appealing for urgent help. Others said the water scarcity was acute. A caller in Armo, Bari region, said their livestock were suffering due to lack of water and they urgently needed assistance. In Mudug, a caller in Saha-qurun said they were facing drought and water shortage and needed aid in the area. Several people called from Abudwak in Galgadud region saying the water shortage was worsening and temperatures were very hot. Two callers in Adado said their livestock were weak, sick, and dying and they needed help from aid organisations. Others spoke of continuing or worsening drought in Dusamareb, Guriel, and Godinlabe. In Lower Shabelle region, a caller in Wanlaweyn said due to the drought their crops had failed. They were praying to get rainfall soon. A female caller in the region said the drought and lack of water had affected their goats. Several other callers who did not specify their locations spoke of hot weather, goats dying, and the need for aid. One female caller asked other listeners to keep them in their prayers for rainfall.
Environment – this remains a popular topic among callers. A caller in Garowe complained about large amounts of waste being dumped in their area, polluting the air. He called on the government to clean up the city and raise awareness among the community. A caller in Kismayo was worried about plastic waste harming animals and vegetation. A female caller in Adado urged the government to control ongoing deforestation due to charcoal production that was harming the environment. Another caller in Helmo village, Galmudug, said people were cutting down trees to make charcoal and the state and federal governments should intervene to stop the destruction.