Comparison with Somalia
Natural hazards in Somalia
Somalia faces droughts, floods, cyclones, coastal erosion, and desertification, all intensified by climate change. Flooding along the Shabelle and Juba rivers and drought in pastoral regions have become more frequent and severe.
Most affected areas
Riverine communities (Hiraan, Middle Shabelle, Lower Juba)
Coastal communities (Banaadir, Puntland, Galmudug)
Pastoral and agro-pastoral zones
Most affected communities and why
Pastoralists, smallholder farmers, fisherfolk, women, and internally displaced persons (IDPs) are most affected due to high poverty, limited infrastructure, and dependence on climate-sensitive livelihoods.
Local coping and adaptation methods
Communities use:
Rainwater harvesting and shallow wells
Traditional flood diversion channels
Mangrove restoration along coastal zones
Livelihood diversification (small businesses, fishing, agroforestry)
Community early warning systems
Institutional support
The Somali government, UN agencies, and NGOs (including youth-led groups like SAFE NGO) support:
Climate-smart agriculture
Ecosystem restoration
Disaster risk reduction
Youth and women climate leadership
Similarities and differences with the Philippines case
Both countries face climate-driven coastal and flooding risks and rely on community-led ecosystem restoration. However, Somalia faces additional challenges from fragility, conflict, and limited infrastructure, making long-term environmental governance more complex. Despite this, local resilience, youth leadership, and traditional knowledge remain powerful drivers of adaptation.