Towards More Effective Disaster Risk Management in Somalia

Across Somalia, communities face recurring floods, droughts, and other climate shocks, which place increasing pressure on local governments and institutions to improve disaster preparedness, coordination, and response. Local practitioners play a critical role in responding to these challenges and translating policy and planning into practical action on the ground. 

Local residents sit under an array of solar panels used to help pump water from the dam in Shaxda village, Puntland. Photo: Tobin Jones/UNDP Somalia

Faisal Abdi Mumin and Kafi Nidamudin Adam are two local practitioners and alumni of The Hague Academy’s DANWADAAG Training of Trainers (ToT) programme in Somali that work on disaster risk management in Somalia. With extensive experience in governance and development, they apply new approaches to strengthen disaster preparedness, climate resilience, and inclusive governance in their communities, and demonstrate how collaboration, leadership, and practical learning can turn knowledge into tangible results.

The overall objective of the Danwadaag Training of Trainers programme was to equip a team of trainers with the ability to train and support the staff of public authorities, local governments, and civil society organisations to develop action plans towards realising efficient and effective disaster risk management (DRM). Through the ToT programme, Faisal and Kafi strengthened their facilitation and leadership skills and deepened their understanding of inclusive governance. The programme placed strong emphasis on practical application, encouraging participants to apply lessons directly within their own institutions and professional roles. For Faisal and Kafi, this approach enabled them to translate learning into action despite the challenges they face in their local context.

Faisal Abdi Mumin is an environmentalist and social scientist with nearly fifteen years of experience in urban infrastructure, climate action, and sustainable development. He works as an Environmental and Social Safeguards Specialist for a World Bank–funded Somalia Urban Resilience Project in Garowe Municipality. In Garowe, Faisal contributed to the design and implementation of stormwater drainage systems for roads and bridges aimed at reducing flooding. Now, even when heavy rainfalls hit, the water can drain effectively and the local residents can travel safely within the municipality without road closures. He also played a key role in developing the Garowe Disaster Risk Management Plan (2024–2030), a framework guiding preparedness and response efforts in the municipality. In addition, he contributed to the Climate-Sensitive City Development Strategy for Garowe (2024), which makes sure that the construction of new buildings and infrastructure are carried out according to climate resilience and inclusion principles.

Faisal Abdi Mumin at the opening of the 145m Gambol Bridge in Garowe Municipality in 2025,  officially inaugurated by the President of Puntland with the World Bank team.

Kafi Nidamudin Adam, Senior Adviser at Ministry of Environment, Range and Climate change in Somalia, works on the World Bank’s Barwaaqo Programme in Somalia and Kenya. Following the training at the Hague Academy, Kafi applied his learnings in his work on climate resilience and disaster risk management initiatives. Drawing on the participatory methods he learned in the Training of Trainers programme, he now designs and delivers training for mayors, district officials, journalists, and community leaders. The trainings he gives aim to strengthen the coordination and communication between all stakeholders during crises and support longer-term preparedness and resilience at the local level.

Kafi Nidamudin Adam giving training to fellow trainers during the Danwadaag programme in 2023.

Beyond their individual roles, Faisal and Kafi contribute to a broader culture of collaboration and continuous learning. Through peer mentoring and knowledge exchange, they create opportunities for others to benefit from the methodologies introduced during the ToT programme. Faisal shares expertise on integrating environmental, climate, and inclusion considerations into urban planning and safeguards processes. Kafi supports colleagues by advising on training design and stakeholder engagement, helping them adapt participatory approaches to their own contexts.

Both share a vision for a Somalia where local governments can effectively prepare for and manage climate-related disasters by involving local leaders and communities. As Faisal reflects:

“The ToT programme transformed my knowledge, skills, and attitudes into practical leadership and technical contributions. It empowered me to bridge global best practices with Somalia’s local realities.”

If you would like to learn more about how local governments – in cooperation with national and local stakeholders – can develop strategies that respond to current and future climate change, see our course on Local Climate Response.