Somalia

Energy and Livelihood project

Windmills, solar powered water systems and 10,000 cook stoves are among the schemes that will make a difference to people living in poverty in Somalia. The innovative project will benefit the states of Puntland and Somaliland in this country, where re-development has started after a long civil conflict.

With this project ADRA-UK has secured its largest project co-funded with European Commission to date. The ‘Somalia Energy and Livelihood project’ will start in Somalia on November 1 2007 and will last for three years. Valued at €2,000,000 (£1,370,000), 75% of the funding is furnished by the European Commission.

Somalia is classified as a ‘least developed country’. It is one of the poorest countries in the world with per capita income of less than £100 a year. 53% of the population live below the poverty line. The situation has been exacerbated by the effects of war and lack of state authorities. This has led to the total collapse of social services.

The two states of Puntland and Somaliland are self administering entities that are committed to post war development and recovery and have enjoyed relative peace and stability for some time. Between them they have a population of close to 5.3 million. The role of energy in reducing poverty is recognised by the two states and energy ministries have been established to coordinate related activities aimed at increasing access to energy services by the rural population.

The project, implemented by network partner ADRA Somalia, will strengthen livelihood strategies of the Somali people through promoting the use of alternative energy options to meet growing energy needs. ADRA will install windmills, solar powered water systems and facilitate the production and marketing of 10,000 cook stoves as part of the project.

The installation of energy equipment will result in increased access to clean water. Health and education services will also be provided. This will be done by creating an awareness of the effects of bad natural resource management and promoting the use of renewable energy options, such as wind, solar and modern biomass. The intervention will be conducted in line with the global trend of seeking renewable energy to spur economic growth.