When floods hit Daryeel Bulsho IDP Camp in 2023, families lost their makeshift shelters and belongings, including food and household utensils. Some families also lost goats and chickens that they depended on for their livelihoods. With nowhere else to go, some people spent the night awake, worried about where they would find shelter.
For Nuur Ibrahim Haji, the 49-year-old community leader, the experience showed why the community needed to prepare before the next floods.
As El Niño preparedness efforts began, Nuur and the camp committee brought community members together to discuss the risks they faced and agree on what needed to be done. The camp committee began raising awareness about El Niño through group sessions and door-to-door visits to help residents understand flood risks and how to prepare.
Together, they also began creating floodwater diversion channels to help direct water away from the camp and reduce the risk of flooding. Community members are contributing their time and effort because they understand what is at stake.
“We have experienced the damage floods can cause. We decided to come together, identify our priorities and take action to protect our homes, our belongings and our families. This is our community, and we all have a role to play in preparing for floods.” Nuur Ibrahim Haji
Nuur Ibrahim, a community leader, speaking to community members about plans to create floodwater diversion channels.
Through their collective efforts, Daryeel residents are showing how communities can take the lead in preparing for potential flooding. By sharing information, making decisions together and working side by side, they are taking practical steps to protect lives and livelihoods.
The URBANISE Project, implemented through the BRCiS consortium and funded by the Ministry of Foreign affairs of Denmark, supports community-led preparedness for potential El Niño-related flooding. In Baidoa, seven community groups, each receiving USD 5,000 through the Group Cash Transfer (GCT) approach, are identifying local flood risks, setting priorities and implementing preventive activities, including creating floodwater diversion channels. This approach empowers communities to lead decisions and take collective action to reduce potential flood impacts and protect lives, homes and livelihoods.