Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) are fundamental for people’s resilience to the impacts of climate change. Climate change is happening in an era of increased demand for water, environmental degradation, demographic change and pollution. Climate change has a potential impact on water availability and increased concentration of contaminants in already shrinking surface water and groundwater bodies. In addition, increased rainfall, flooding and cyclones which can damage water supply and sanitation infrastructure. Without access to basic services such as CWASH communities are vulnerable to water shortages, disease and malnutrition. But CWASH services can improve people’s resilience to climate change by:

• Protecting people from disease thus enabling them to better able to cope with climate-related challenges.
• Providing a reliable and safe water supply so that clean and safe water is available during drought periods.
• Increasing water storage to increase availability, thus providing a critical buffer in times of scarcity.
• Reducing the risk of contaminating water supplies and the environment during floods.
• Improving hygiene practices to provide protection against disease.

SADO works with local government agencies and communities across Somalia to improve access to water and sanitation services in the areas where they operate. SADO provides CRWASH programs that compose of:

(a) Water Supply and Sanitation

Drilling wells and installation of water infrastructure to improve access to safe clean water, constructing and managing pit latrines, and waste management services including sanitation facilities and pit emptying services.

• Hygiene Promotion

Work with communities to provide hygiene education and behavior change for women, men, boys, and girls. This not only leads to improved hygiene conditions and health but also is a way for SADO to educate the public about the importance of healthy hygiene.

(c) Provision of Hygiene Kits and NFIs

Provide hygiene kits to women and girls as well as other vulnerable populations. These include items such as soap, buckets chlorination tablets and sanitary pads. SADO also provides shelter kits to IDPs and returnees.

(d) Integrated communications to improve CRWASH

Use printed materials, radio, and social marketing strategies such as advertisements to raise awareness and promote improved hygiene throughout Somalia.