Aquatic Ecosystem Management: The Case of Somalia

Abstract

Water is the basis of life and the driving force behind economic and social development and eradicating poverty. Water scarcity is the biggest problem facing the Somali people, where the water assets are inadequate to meet domestic, economic development, and environmental needs. Most of the data used in this study belong to the Ministry of Energy and water resources and the Ministry of Agriculture and Irrigation of Somalia. In addition, scientific studies on the most important water resources done by the public and private institutions, local and international NGOs in Somalia have also been benefited. Apart from Jubba and Shabelle rivers, Somalia’s main important water resources are underground waters such as boreholes, shallow wells, and springs. The Ministry of Agriculture and Irrigation is responsible for water resources management. This ministry conducts several works related to water and agriculture development in general. These include projects to boost irrigation systems and power output. The dependence on water is compounded by the fact that most Somalis rely on agriculture and livestock for their livelihood. Like many other developing countries, Somalia faces the challenge of efficiently developing and managing its limited water resources while maintaining water quality and preserving essential ecosystems on which water resources depend.