Strengthening the Resilience of Pastoralist Communities in Ethiopia and Somalia
In response to the challenges posed by climate change and economic instability, pastoralist communities in Ethiopia and Somalia face significant challenges. To enhance their resilience and secure their livelihoods, Horn Development Advisory (HDA) is supporting our partner Zep-Re PTA Reinsurance Company during the October to December (OND) 2024 insurance selling season in both countries.
A Collaborative Effort for a Sustainable Future
As part of our support to the Horn of Africa (HoA) De-risking, Inclusion and Value Enhancement (DRIVE) project, HDA is supporting our partner Zep-Re PTA Reinsurance Company in their pivotal role to increase pastoralists' access to financial services designed to mitigate the impacts of drought. The DRIVE project—a $360.5 million initiative funded by the World Bank — aims to strengthen the resilience of pastoralists through insurance, whilst integrating them into value chains and facilitating livestock trade across the Horn of Africa.
During the OND 2024 period, HDA delivered comprehensive training programs in Ethiopia and Somalia. These sessions were designed to empower community mobilizers, government officials, representatives of insurance companies, and other partners involved in implementing the HoA DRIVE project in Ethiopia and Somalia. The goal was to provide them with the essential knowledge and skills needed to extend index-based livestock insurance (IBLI) education and outreach to pastoralist communities.
Training Highlights in Somalia
Our training efforts in Somalia spanned nine regions: Lower Juba, Afmadow, Gedo, Bay, Bakool, Middle Shabelle, Lower Shabelle, Hiiraan, and Galgaduud. A remarkable total of 182 participants from both the public and private sectors were equipped with the tools necessary to support the DRIVE project's initiatives. These training sessions were instrumental in ensuring that all stakeholders are well-prepared to implement livestock insurance and education programs effectively.
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Training Highlights in Ethiopia
In Ethiopia, the training programs reached five key pastoral regions: the Somali region, Oromia, South region, Southwest, and Afar regions, engaging a total of 556 participants. These sessions focused on various aspects of the DRIVE project, including the development of drought IBLI products, the integration of pastoralists into the livestock value chain, and the facilitation of livestock trade. By equipping participants with this critical knowledge, we are laying the foundation for a more resilient pastoralist community.
Comprehensive Training Modules
The training sessions covered a wide range of topics essential for the successful implementation of the DRIVE project. Among these were the importance of livestock insurance, the development of effective drought IBLI products, strategies for integrating pastoralists into the livestock value chain and financial literacy. Additionally, the facilitation of livestock trade was a key focus, aimed at ensuring pastoralists can navigate market challenges and secure sustainable income sources.
Empowering Communities for a Better Tomorrow
At HDA, we believe that education and capacity building are critical components in the journey towards sustainable development. By providing these comprehensive training sessions, we are not only supporting the immediate needs of pastoralist communities but also empowering them with the tools to build a more resilient and prosperous future. Our efforts during the OND 2024 insurance selling season are a testament to our strong collaboration with our partner Zep-Re and commitment to increase the resilience of pastoralist communities in Ethiopia and Somalia. Together with our partners, we are making significant strides towards enhancing resilience, promoting inclusion, and ensuring value enhancement for pastoralist communities across the Horn of Africa.
