In Somaliland’s eastern Sanaag region, livestock represent livelihood, food, and financial security for pastoral families. For 42-year-old Abdisalan Salah, the drought sweeping across the country since 2025 has put all three at risk.

“My family consists of eight people, and our livelihood depends entirely on livestock,” Abdisalan says.

Like many pastoralists in the area, he keeps a mixed herd of camels, cattle, goats, and sheep; but when consecutive rainy seasons failed to deliver adequate rainfall, life became increasingly difficult.

“The drought has had a serious impact on our household,” he recalls. “Meat and milk production have both declined, putting our family’s livelihood into crisis.”

Equally damaging effects have been felt throughout Abdisalan’s community as water sources have dried up, grazing land has shrunk, and livestock has become weakened from hunger and thirst. As animals gather around the few remaining areas with pasture and water, the risk of disease increases.

“We did not receive enough rainfall during either the Deyr or the Gu seasons,” says Abdisalan. “Rain fell only in isolated areas, causing people and livestock to gather there. As a result, diseases were more likely to spread.”

The worsening conditions forced some families to leave in search of better livestock grazing. Abdisalan was among them.

“At one point, I moved about 20 kilometres away,” he says.

The journey offered little relief. His animals continued to lose weight, milk production stopped for some, and disease rates intensified.

“Some animals became thin and weak, some fell sick, and others died,” he says. “Because they suffered from hunger, their immune systems weakened, making them more vulnerable to disease.

May 2026. Erigavo, Sanaag. Abdillahi Abdi Eid and his  team of Ministry of Livestock veterinarians treat animals suffering from parasites, malnutrition, injuries, and pneumonia in this campaign. ©FAO/Abdillahi Hassan Jama

But as the crisis peaked, support arrived thanks to a partnership between FAO and the Somaliland Ministry of Livestock and Rural Development (MoLRD), with funding from the United Nations Central Emergency Response Fund.

Over six weeks, veterinary teams treated nearly 230,000 animals belonging to nearly 3,000 households in Erigabo district.

“At first, we could not tell whether the animals were simply suffering from the effects of the drought or whether they were sick,” Abdisalan explains. “But the results were quickly visible after they received treatment.

“We have observed a significant improvement in the overall health and productivity of our animals.

“Consequently, milk production has increased, enhancing household food security and nutrition. This has contributed to better health and well-being for our families while also strengthening our livelihoods through improved livestock performance.”

May 2026. Erigabo, Sanaag. A veterinarian from Somaliland’s Ministry of Livestock and Rural Development injects a sick goat. Before administering treatment, veterinarians interview livestock owners and examine animals to assess their health needs. ©FAO/Abdillahi Hassan Jama.

Abdisalan’s family borrowed money to keep them afloat during this exacting period before receiving cash assistance from FAO alongside the veterinary assistance they received.

“We are very grateful to FAO for this support,” he says. “They came to us during a very difficult time and provided cash assistance when we needed it most.”

The family has now been able to meet urgent needs but also to protect their future.

“We used it to buy water and food, repay some family debts, and pay school fees,” Abdisalan said.

Today, conditions remain challenging, but there are signs of recovery. Recent rainfall has brought renewed optimism, and communities are taking steps to prepare for future droughts.

“We are producing and storing hay and other animal fodder for future use,” says Abdisalan. “We are also planning to build water catchments so we can harvest and store rainwater during the rainy season.”

These efforts, combined with continued support and improved livestock health, are helping families rebuild their resilience.

Standing beside his recovering herd, Abdisalan reflects on the difficult months behind him and the hopes he now holds for the future.

“We are optimistic,” he says. “We have received some rainfall. Although it has not been much, it gives us hope. Our hopes for the future are high.”

May 2026. Abdisalan Salah at his sheep’s enclosure in Erigavo district in Sanaag which is renowned as Somaliland’s leading sheep-producing region. ©FAO/Abdillahi Hassan Jama