A lifeline for people affected by drought in Somalia

After two failed rainy seasons, the drought across Somalia is exacerbating the ongoing humanitarian crisis to the point where almost half the population are now in need of food aid.

At times like this information is a vital form of humanitarian aid so we've teamed up with the BBC Somali Service and Radio Ergo to produce a programme to help those affected survive, cope and recover.

Ogaal (Be Informed) - broadcast three times a week on radio and online - gives listeners the chance to hear stories from all parts of the country about the impact of the drought and reports of how humanitarian agencies, the authorities and the affected communities themselves are responding.

Each 15-minute episode contains a dedicated lifeline segment produced by BBC Media Action providing lifeline information, including advice on what plans people can put in place to deal with the drought and potential lack of food - and provide examples from what is working elsewhere in the country.

Angela Muriithi, Country Director Somalia, says: “Ogaal is a crucial step in helping the 6.2 million Somalis affected by the on-going drought to get answers to basic questions they have on how to survive and cope with the crisis.

"Questions like: how do I find food? How do I know my child is malnourished and needs medical attention? What can I do with the types of food that I do have? How do I prioritise use of the little water I have? As well as broader questions about the humanitarian situation in general and what the government and the international community are doing about it.

"The programme also allows the real voices of people who are affected by the crisis and how they are coping to be heard - providing a sense of psychosocial support to many affected listeners.”

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