The project’s aim was to enhance the capacity of state-level government institutions and local communities to better manage water infrastructure through better technical support, trainings and quality assurance. The Hirshabelle Resilient Riverine Agriculture Project (HRRAP) increased the capacity of state-level government institutions to deliver flood and irrigation projects. These technical government activities included the development of a watershed management study, which informed the design process for flood protection works and canals. Project, flood and canal management trainings provided to government staff and community leaders fall under this outcome. FAO in Somalia and Government partners together closely monitored the construction process of gabions and canals.

The project also supported an initial introduction of achieving consensus on best practices regarding food safety issues, gender equity, environmental impact, sustainable production and economic issues lead by the Federal Government of Somalia.

The project helped reduce flood risk to Beled Weyne town and surrounding farms through river embankment strengthening in highly flood-prone areas. It also restored farmers’ access to water through the rehabilitation of 36 km of main irrigation canals.

Author: FAO in Somalia