Socio-Economic and Ecological Study on climate change impacts on watershed and Livelihoods in Daad-Madheedh
- Background Somalia is still in the grips of one of the worst humanitarian crises seen for several decades. The devastating drought and ongoing conflict has left four million people in crisis across Somalia. Food security remains the worst in the world and large scale disease outbreak remains a risk, particularly in the coming dry season. As a result of the drought and ongoing conflict in Somalia, there has been massive displacement throughout the Greater Somalia, with thousands of people from the south and central regions moving to Somaliland in search of safety and better opportunities. In 2011, SCiSOM carried out multi-sectoral assessments in mid-July in Somaliland and the threat from the failure of Deyr rains in four eastern regions of Somaliland (Togdheer, Saahil, Sanaag and Sool) was imminent. At the time of the assessment populations at risk (both local and displaced communities) were reported as follows: Sool (17,000); Saahil (70,000); Sanaag (157,000) and Togdheer (90,000), all spread across the respective districts. The effects of the rain failure were visible in these regions with community migration to urban centre on its highest (especially Burao, Berbera, Hargeisa and Sheikh). In 2012, the unfavorable forecasts for the May -June rains predict a similar picture this year as in 2011.according to SWALIN monthly weather bulletin. The gu’ 2012 rains in many part of Somaliland particularly, Guban belt along Saahil, Selal region and houwd plateau of Togdheer have been below normal condition. The rain had yielded little pasture regeneration, didn’t replenished enough water in water catchments.
The climate patterns for June –July 2012 in Hargeisa and Togdheer region shows below normal compared to long term mean (LTM).the temperatures and evaporation rates were also above normal value, in general the temperature was not favorable condition as it was windy, dry and hot in major Somaliland towns throughout June-July 2012 . 1.1. Introduction
In the context of these recurrent chronic crises and their impact on the resiliency of the population of Somaliland, Save the Children secured Community Based Disaster Risk Reduction (CBDRR) project funded by the Australian AiD (AUSAiD). The objective of the Project is to strengthen the resilience and adaptive capacities of rural communities, particularly pastoral and agro-pastoral, who have been negatively impacted by the recurring climatic shocks and dry spells to cope with climate induced disasters. The project is implemented by Save the Children Somalia/Somaliland – as lead agency for the development and implementation of the DRR project, Candlelight for Health, Education and Environment (CLHE) and SL ministry of pastoral and rural development as implementing partner. Candlelight (CLHE) is a leading organization in the sector of environment and rural livelihoods across Somaliland, dedicated to the improving the quality of life of the Somaliland community through the provision of appropriate education, promotion of basic health care, elementary training in environmental conservation. Candlelight plans to start the implementation of DRR project in Daad-Madheed Region (Oodweyne) in collaboration with Save the Children, Hargeisa Office. The key project activities includes an integrated watershed level assessment, action research, training the communities members to understand better the environmental impacts of charcoal use ,trade and to develop alternatives, and finally efficient use of charcoal as a fuel.
The targeted region of Togdheer (Oodwayne) is one of the most productive economic areas in respect of the diverse livelihoods exist and at the same time be potentially enhanced, such as livestock and fodder production for selling and domestic use, crop production, Beekeeping, poultry farming etc. Flood irrigation production system is exclusively practiced in 10 villages in some areas of the region such as Odweine, Haahi, Getitaley etc. Rainfall occurring in the Golis Range Mountains to the north of these areas discharges flood water to the said areas through seasonal watercourses (Togga). These waters are harnessed to grow crops. The agro-pastoralists in these areas grow the short term maturing sorghum variety, maize and pulses. They also harvest hay that serves as fodder for export animals and animal feed.
During the recent decades, the region became one of the most disaster prone areas in country due to climate change variability together with other factors, which in combination curtailing the local people abilities to cope with their most predominant risks- drought. Regarding to the watershed health, though a quantitative data on the extent of changes/natural degradation is lacking and it is difficult to clearly pinpoint the exact causes and effects of change taking place, there is clear evidence indicating the continuous decline in the health of watershed and natural resources at all. On the other hand, There has been increasing community concern about these negative changes and, therefore, they have been attempting to adapt but at the same time missing crucial external support to take them through these changes. The need to ensure that the people in the Ooweyne and their ecosystem adapt and or are less exposed to the changing climatic conditions attributed to climate change requires to address underlying causes that have been led to an erosion of rural people resource and asset bases and this calls for a comprehensive study that helps to understand the nature of change taking place and investigate the linkage between the wider environmental crisis reported, the climate change, and the current economical and social change existing there. To make this happen, a portion of this Project budget has been set a side to facilitate planning and study of entire Oodweyne ecosytems (watershed areas) with the respect of felt changes through natural ecosystems, land capability and land uses sytems and the vulnerability of all production systems and people due to the climate change 2. Objectives of the study The study seeks to help design and work out adaptation and disaster preparedness strategies meant to address the negative impact of climate change and its bearing on the communities. It should also come up with list of recommendation on viable interventions related to climate change adaptation both in the immediate and the long term basis, using affordable and available technologies, knowledge, infrastructure and structure modification and investment, innovation and education to build a culture of self-sustainment and continuity. Specifically, the consultancy shall seek to: • document existing data on the surface and ground water sources • a document existing socioeconomic systems governing the natural resource and identify the underlying and lay down through participatory consultations and desk review • document existing socio-economic and environmental factors eroding the system’s resilience, the impact of climate change on the watershed and livelihoods through participatory consultations and desk review • Document the changes in the seasonal water flow, frequency, soil deposition and production capacities of the farmers and pastoralist in the lowland areas. • Propose the information and evidence-base recommendations upon which adaptation options can be replicated and future actions. Expected outputs of the study • Enhance the understanding of the government, communities and development agencies about the existing watershed and effective natural resource management system which ultimately reduce the impact natural risks and hazards. • Maps (participatory from different stakeholders, including children, NRM maps, hydrogeological, socio-economic and combined) • Seasonal monitoring calendar (from different stakeholders, including children and combined) • Detailed an inception report methodological approach to be adopted to ensure that results are valid and reliable • Present draft reports in stakeholders workshops. • A comprehensive report that includes background information on watershed, natural management system policies in place and socio economic i nomadic pastoralist and farmers communities; the patterns of mobility/migration by region; an analysis of their current situation, challenges and vulnerabilities, find out their needs based on detailed analysis of the data collected in the field; major indicators for all relevant sectors, and, recommendations for programmatic approaches to identify immediate priorities 3) Scope of the study the focus of the study will include but not limited to the climate change scale in the areas, its impacts on the production systems and livelihoods, disturbance and stress over the physical and biological resources of the watershed, changes in watershed (significant alternation, loss of primary watershed process and structural components and the underlying causes) changes in surface and ground water sources ( shallow wells etc), changes in land uses, resource uses and among others. The study should explore the possibility of adopting An ecosystem-based approach to enhance system of water use and planning, land-use (including grazing reserves), and diversification of livelihoods. The study should be able to respond and produce a technical guide (map and monitoring calendarto distribute to information boards in project sites) that will meet the needs of the staff for implementing agencies and SL ministry of pastoral and rural development to strengthen the capacity of local communities including village elders, farmers, pastoralists to understand the underlying factors and reduce the impact of disasters by proactively analyzing risks, developing realistic and responsive disaster preparedness and mitigation plans at all level, and responding more effectively to emergencies. The study should also consider the coping strategies pursued by the local people and their consequences both a negative and positive. Equally, the study should demonstrate strong emphasis on the community participation for conservation and development linking the impact of climate change with the promotion of improved livelihood options such as infrastructures, conservation of natural resources, institutions, capacity building and so forth. Community consultation is at the forefront of this study, linking local knowledge with scientific knowledge, and the results should be designed in a way that it’s provided back in a useful manner for local communities’ decision making.
Methodology The study will engage both qualitative and quantitative research methods. In the field, the major method of data collection will be interviewer administered questionnaires and discussions around maps and monitoring calendars Focus group discussions with target respondents(Farmers, Pastoralists, children, small traders and mothers will enable the researcher to understand perceptions and attitudes of the respondents hence complementing data collected through the questionnaires. Field research will also be supplemented by interviews with government officials, local officials as well as NGO t staff and other providers on the ground. Bring together the child-centred results as identified in child-led DRR/CCA component The hydrogeological study will be base don existing data and will require study on the climatic impacts on the natural resources. A table outlining Hazards as perceived ten years ago, now, and in the next 5 years and discussions with target groups should be held on how do we achieve prevention, preparedness and adequate response now in preparation for the future. The survey will also include data collected in relation to major indicators for relevant sectors, time series information against the said indicators (as available) as well as project indicators. This information will be collected through a review of available relevant research or programme documents. All the data collected will be segregated by gender and age of children (where relevant) and more specific factors such as clan and other socio economic groups/ types (e.g. nomadic cf. to semi-nomadic, agro-postural, Farmers, poor, low income) to facilitate future analysis on critical life cycle stages. The implementing partner (CLHE)will develop an implementation plan including a timeline for study , select a lead consultant who will be responsible for the design and implementation of the study . It is anticipated that the consultant will be assisted by a local consultant who has adequate knowledge and expertise in the areas and related field to researches, environment. The assessment team will be further divided into sub sectors mainly three areas (livelihood, water and environment, child protection each working in Oodwayne Agro-pastoralist region in Somaliland and under the supervision of a consultant / team leader.
Qualifications and competencies of the consultants. • Two qualified consultants(Somali and international) various knowledge in relevant subjects(environment, water & siol science , agriculture, economics and international study), and experience of water shed ,climate change/adaptation, research methodologies and computer literate in data analysis soft ware, access will be hired subject for the purpose of this water shed and socio-economic study. • a lead consultant should be an international with MA/S Degree in environment science , international development ,Soil and water science with ( at least 4-7years) of experience in relevant public/private institution or good track record in similar research work
• Proven technical expertise and knowledge on international conventions(human rights, Child Rights, protection and non discrimination) and sub-Saharan context culture and practices • Demonstrate an ability to work with hardship/emergence situation areas • Extensive knowledge and understanding of Disaster Risk Reduction and /climate change adaptation programming is much preferred. • He/She should have the appropriate level of sensitivity to the children/ young population needs and be mindful of their basic rights • The local consultant At least with Bsc in agriculture, environment and Economics will be hired as an associate consultant. He /she should have extensive knowledge in designing household economic studies. • Local consultant (he/she) should have technical expertise and knowledge on international conventions (human rights, Child Rights, protection and non discrimination) and conversant with the culture , practices, socio economic life style of the communities and context • Local consultant should also assist the lead consultant on the issue cultural sensitivity, take part the analysis and data interpretation. Local consultant will also oversee the day to day work of field numerators and data entry check. 4.1. Main tasks and expects outputs for the consultants will) • The lead consultant will provide the overall leadership to the teams. • The initial task of the lead consultant will be to develop a study plan detailing study methodology, including tools to be used and a comprehensive sampling frame plan.
• Be responsible for and provide technical expertise for the design and conduct of the study • Develop appropriate data collection instruments, including: o A household survey that includes, but is not limited to, demographic information, rural food basket content and costs, income and expenditures, livestock size and health, access to health care for humans and for livestock, coping mechanisms, environmental factors and management strategies and child protection factors including security. o Design community focus group items derived from household survey, particularly regarding education access and modality preferences.
• The scale of climate changes ,disturbance and stress over the physical and biological resources of the watershed, changes in watershed (significant alternation, loss of primary watershed process and structural components and the underlying causes) changes in surface and ground water sources ( shallow wells etc), changes in land uses, resource uses and among others. • Develop measures for assuring inter-rater reliability and consistency among enumerators and team leaders and for standardizing data entry and data analysis processes. • Develop training for assessment teams leaders, enumerators and data entry personnel and a timely training schedule for the assessment sites • Provide overall supervision and coordination of the assessment teams • Provide supervision of data entry and analysis • Analyze data and draft the study report and present report stakeholder workshops a • Submit the final study repor
. Application Procedure: • Interested consultants should submit a detailed proposal detailing research methodological plan as well as their CVs to Candlelight office in Hargeisa through the following email: ahmedsugule@candlelightsom.org•
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