It’s not all doom and gloom in Somalia

When I decided to relocate to Somalia I knew that I was going to a country that has been destabilized by war for quite some time and is still under constant attacks from armed groups. The reality is that most parts of the country is stable and developing, including Mogadishu which is still under constant threat and attacks from the Al Shabaab militia.

Traditional livelihoods are shaped by geographic and climatic conditions: while northern Somalia is mainly arid and semi-arid land, southern Somalia has higher agricultural potential, due to higher rainfall and water from two rivers: the Juba and the Shebelle. These rivers, rising in the Ethiopian highlands, underpin both crop and livestock production systems in southern Somalia – but irrigation and flood control infrastructure are in very poor condition following years of neglect and conflict. Livestock production systems are a core economic activity, requiring mobility to exploit seasonal pasture across vast areas of rangeland. Today, livestock production and marketing – mainly to the Gulf – provides around 85 per cent of Somalia’s export earnings. However, the lack of environmental and rangeland management makes the sector highly vulnerable to drought.

Areas far from the coastline experience harsh climatic conditions especially during the dry seasons. Migration in the rural area is high during these seasons as pastoralists move from one area to another with their livestock in search of water and pasture. They use camels as a mode of transportation in the long arduous journey ensuring they carry everything they need including temporary shelter.

Strategically positioned in the Horn of Africa, Somalia has a landmass of 637,657 km2 and the longest coastline in Africa. Though still underutilized, the country’s long coastline is home to numerous valuable species of fish and other marine life that could support commercial offshore fishing as well as inshore fishing for local food security and trade. This long strip of stunning beaches can be the home to loveliest destinations for tourism. Hundreds of people already come to Mogadishu’s popular beaches such as Lido Beach or Jazeera Beach to relax by the Indian Ocean.

There is a vibrant nightlife in major urban centres where hundreds of people flock cafes and restaurants to chill and socialize. Lido Beach is one of the popular spots in Mogadishu where families and young couples flock on weekends to have a good time and take photos.

In major urban centres like Mogadishu, Kismayo, Garowe, Baidoa, Bajaj also known as Tuk-tuk is a popular form of transportation. It’s cheap, accessible and convenient for most people. It is also a major source of employment for youth across the country.

In rural areas, weaving and basketry is a common practice among girls and women. They make mats, baskets, brooms to make a livelihood. On the other hand, pastoral communities still practice wood carving which largely supports their lifestyle. Items like Haan made from caw is used to store milk for a period of time so that when it coagulates it can separate the fat from the curd. The pastoralists also make their own shoes from camel and goatskin. The shoes are comfortable enough for them to trek for long distances.

Unlike Kenya’s famous mobile money transfer service Mpesa, Somalia’s transfers are available in dollars and can be used to purchase anything from a sweet in the shop to a car from a car dealer. Mobile banking is also available and offered by most of the banks in the country including Dahabshil, an international money transfer company.

The landscape in different parts of the country are to be stunned. The mountain rocks in Eyl, a small town in the northern part of Somalia makes the place look like an ancient town in the 17 century. It is relatively peaceful in Eyl and therefore a good attraction site for Diasporas who want to experiment roads trips and site seeing as well enjoying a good deep at the beach.

Lastly, daily life in the street of Mogadishu is vibrant and chaotic at the same time. On one end of the streets, customers are busy haggling while the on other side of the streets, a group of men are sat in circles enjoying a cup of sugar-filled tea while making small talks.