NEWS
Building Resilience: How Baarey Village Took Action against Flooding
Baarey Village, located along the Shabelle River in Jowhar District, has faced repeated flooding that destroyed farmland, displaced families, and threatened livelihoods—especially during the El Niño floods of 2024 and the heavy Gu rains of 2025. To address these challenges, Zamzam Foundation, in partnership with Save the Children International (SCI), launched a community-led river embankment project under the BRCIS III program.
The project is funded by FCDO, the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, and implemented by Save the Children International (SCI) in partnership with Zamzam Foundation.
The initiative placed the local community at the center of the solution. In collaboration with village leaders and Community Relief Committees (CRC), 200 residents were selected through a fair and transparent process to participate in a cash-for-work activity. At least 30% of the participants were women. Workers were organized into teams and tasked with placing sandbags along high-risk sections of the riverbank. Each person worked six days, earning $6 per day providing short-term income while contributing to long-term safety and protection.
Through this community-led effort, breakage points along the river were sealed and 100 meters of vulnerable embankment were reinforced using over 10,000 clay-filled sandbags. To ensure long-term durability, bamboo grass (locally known as Delodelo) was planted along the riverbanks. This fast-growing, erosion-resistant plant helps stabilize the soil and protects against future flood damage.
The river embankment project has already made a meaningful impact—reducing the risk of flooding, safeguarding farmlands, and preventing further displacement of vulnerable families. Beyond the physical results, it has created jobs, strengthened food security, and increased local resilience to climate shocks.
Zamzam Foundation extends heartfelt gratitude on behalf of the Somali people to all our partners. Your unwavering support helps alleviate the suffering caused by prolonged conflict and environmental hardship. Together, we are sowing the seeds of sustainability, hope, and empowerment.
