Somali Plantation and Agricultural Workers Union organized a significant social dialogue with a focus on exploring the dimensions of climate change and its impacts on the agricultural workers’ union in Somalia.
This gathering brought together subject experts, union members, and stakeholders to address the pressing issue of climate change and its effects on the agricultural sector in various regions of Somalia, including Shabelle, Bay, Bakool, Gedo, Lower and Middle Jubba, as well as other inland areas.
During this dialogue, participants engaged in moderated discussions and representations, with a primary emphasis on understanding the various facets of climate action and the effects of climate change. This included discussions on shifting weather patterns, extreme weather events, and their direct influence on the livelihoods of agricultural workers in Somalia. The event’s goal was to shed light on the challenges and perspectives related to climate action in Somalia before the COP28 conference, scheduled for the end of 2023. The dialogue aimed to strengthen Somalia’s climate negotiation strategies and options.
Key concepts addressed during this dialogue encompassed strategies for adapting to changing weather conditions, promoting sustainable farming practices, enhancing climate change education, and emphasizing the importance of community resilience.
The organizers and attendees stressed the urgency of taking action to safeguard the interests and well-being of agricultural workers in Somalia, who are facing growing threats due to climate change. This event marked a crucial step in raising awareness, fostering collaboration, and developing a collective response to the climate-related challenges confronted by the agricultural workforce in Somalia.
Deputy Secretary General Abdiaziz Hashi Said expressed the following sentiment during the dialogue.
“We recognize that climate change poses a profound threat to our agricultural workers and the broader community in Somalia. It is our duty to work together, combine our knowledge, and take concrete actions to ensure a sustainable future. The dialogue has set the stage for meaningful strategies and policies that will protect the livelihoods of our people and safeguard our nation in the midst of these climate challenges.”
Finally Deputy President of the Somalia Congress of Trade Unions (SOCOTU), Brother Abdisalam Yarow, underscored the importance of this dialogue, highlighting how it created an opportunity to exchange knowledge about climate action and generate ideas that will contribute to the development of strategies and policies. These efforts aim to protect not only the livelihoods of the agricultural workers’ union but also the entire population of Somalia in the face of a changing climate landscape.