| SATG Electronic Forum Discussion on Natural
Resources Management-Deforestation and Charcoal Export
July 8, 2004
Hussein Haji wrote:
Dear members,
The revised agenda, including recent suggestions from
Robert Lavigne, is as follows.
1. Discuss the status of the irrigation infrastructure and
the need for their rehabilitation. Did any of the current donors, NGOs, etc., assess the
degree of damage to these infrastructures? (Dr. Noor)
2. Natural resource management. (Dr. Noor)
3. Establishment of an agriculture research unit. (Hussein)
4. Banana diversification Project (Awes, Mohamood)
5. SATG re-structuring (Awes)
6. Crop and grain damages caused by Pre and post-harvest
insect infestation. Attention to new locust plague heading to Somalia, stored grain
insects. (Robert Lavigne)
7. Issues related with Marketing support systems (within
Somalia and overseas) and Food Safety, especially for fruit and vegetable. (Abdullahi
Green)
8. Provision of appropriate technology in food preservation
(Abdullahi Green)
9. Human resource development. (Aden)
I believe we have sufficient agenda items for discussion.
In my opinion, discussion on the banana diversification could be a good start since it
covers several sectors of agriculture. For those of you, who are still contemplating on
submitting new agenda, please send it to me directly.
Need for a volunteer: For the discussion to come on the
next agenda, we need someone to volunteer to record the minutes which will later be
published on our website. If we do not have any volunteers within the next two days, we
will randomly select three names from the membership list in the event that some members
decide to decline.
Mohamood, we may need more than a week for each agenda
item.
Ahmadey, welcome to SATG discussion forum. Your
contribution to SACB agriculture strategy was highly significant.
Regards, Hussein
July 9, 2004
Christoph LANGENKAMP wrote:
Dear members,
Firstly, I would like to thank Hussein whom I had the
pleasure to meet during the SACB strategy workshop and who included me in the SATG mailing
list. I think this discussion group is very important and it is great to hear from so many
dedicated professionals that are committed to improved livelihoods in Somalia.
To briefly introduce myself, I am an agronomist (with
further studies in hydrology) and currently working for the European Commission, managing
the EC funded agricultural and rural water programmes for Somalia.
I do find the list Hussein has finalized very useful,
representing important issues for Somalia. Some of these issues are as well discussed in
other fora like the SACB food security and rural development committee, the agricultural
WG, the flood working group, field meetings etc. Some comments on the different issues
mentioned by
Hussein:
Point 1: There have been extensive discussions about
rehabilitation of irrigation infrastructure. The banana study for example recommends
significant investment into the rehabilitation and current planning is accordingly.
Rehabilitation will be recorded in an Irrigation database by the FAO implemented and EC
funded Somalia Water and Land Information Management System (SWALIM) for future reference
and for a future national administration. There have been I would call it partial
assessments but no overall assessment of the situation. Security permitting, I would
expect more structured and comprehensive assessments in 2005. As the task is phenomenal
and much has still to be done, I am sure members of this group have to make an important
contribution.
Point 2: Natural resource management is a critical issue
for the EC in its development goals. One of the key limiting factors is however the lack
of an enabling environment in Somalia. One issue that we intend to promote is the
promotion of Integrated Water Resource Management (IWRM) at various levels. We know it is
a complex and lengthy process, but it is better to start promoting it now than waiting for
years. Secondly, the EC is finalizing a feasibility study, assessing opportunities on how
marginal rural areas can be supported. This study will include an expert workshop during
September/October 2004. I will make sure that this group will be considered by the
consultants and would appreciate if one or two members of this group that have special
knowledge could participate during the WS. Massive charcoal export is a key issue for NRM,
but how to tackle it....
Point 3: A very important imitative. 15 years without
agricultural research and only very limited training (knowledge transfer) is a disaster.
Some INGOs do run training programmes, but they are limited in scope and spatial
distribution. This I think is a point for this group. I would suggest linking it to
knowledge transfer. An issue that requires more structured thinking and the wealth of
knowledge of this group may contribute a lot.
Point 4: Based on the dramatically changed trade regime for
banana, the study suggested rehabilitation of irrigation infrastructure and crop
diversification. As Mohamood Noor, whom I had the pleasure to meet earlier, rightly
remarked, diversification does not exclude banana but broadens the opportunities.
Furthermore, the programme will not decide for what the water from the rehabilitated
irrigation schemes will be used. It is hoped that implementation can start early 2005. It
should be noted that already a good number of INGOs are operational in the area and the
programme will largely be a continuation of the current activities.
Point 6: The INGO UNA is implementing an IPM project for
Somalia. The project has among others and in collaboration with many stakeholders,
developed the following training modules:
1. Safe use of pesticides
2. Management of stem borers
3. Management of tomato pests and diseases
4. Management of insect pests of stored cereals and pulse
grains
5. Management of rodent pests.
Each training module consists usually of a bibliography, a
handbook (trainers manual), a poster and flyer for farmers. Much of it is available in
electronic and print format as well as in Somali and English language. Furthermore, the
project has managed to be allowed to (copy right) and to run a reprint of the Pest
Management Handbook for Somalia. A proper revised edition may be published during the next
phase of the project, hopefully starting very soon. Once the project is operational again,
I am sure they will be happy to get your feedback and to distribute the material (I guess
the material may fill several CD ROMs in the end). By the way, the project manager, Dr.
Andrew Harberd, who is as well the chair of the SACB agricultural working group may be
known to a good number of the members.
With the hope that in future I can find a bit more time to
more frequently (and less lengthy) contribute to this forum, best regards and warm
greetings
Christoph
PS. Please note that I do contribute to this forum in my
private capacity!
Christoph LANGENKAMP
Rural Development TA
Delegation of the European Commission in the Republic of
Kenya - Somalia Operations
P.O. Box 30475
00100 Nairobi, Kenya
July 10, 2004
Aden Aw-Hassan wrote:
Members;
I add my voice to the NRM as the priority. When we were in
the college of Afgoi some of you may remember how we used to count the number of
overloaded trucks transporting charcoal to Mogadishu. This gravity of the situation is
well known now. The question is what are the practical and policy actions that can be
taken to reduce this damage.
I like to thank Christoph LANGENKAMP with his impressive
list of activities that INGOs, FAO and the supporting donors are caring out in Somalia.
But although your list of development activities is
impressive, it is important to remind us that the only lasting development progress is
that imbedded into human capital. Other capitals are important but if human capacity is
lacking sustained progress will be difficult. My question is how much of that list of
activities will leave a lasting and measurable improvement in human capital in Somalia.
Because ultimately the Somalis should dig themselves, out of the underdevelopment hole.
How the Somali NGOs are performing to tackle these development issues and what support are
they getting from international community, how their performance is measured and rewarded?
Is capacity building a development priority for INGOs and donors? We can see a lot of
successful private sector albeit with limitations (telephones are opened in Ceeldeer,
Galgaduud region this week, Coca Cola Factory is opened last week in Mogadishu, etc).
These developments are serving the public. Can the pubic sector demonstrate similar
successes albeit lack of government? Do not get me wrong I am not underestimating the
difficulties facing the public sector in the absence of government, but capable, credible
and accountable NGO sector doing effective development services can generate valuable
human capital essential for good public service in the future? In fact, how to build human
capital for development can be a topic for discussion for this group. I also agree with
Christoph that the development activities can utilize member in this valuable list.
Aden Aw-Hassan
July 11, 2004
Mohamoud Abdi Noor wrote:
Dear Members,
I think we have full agenda. I am also glad that we have on board those who have
ongoing activities in the field. Let us start the discussion and come up with challenges
facing us in these topic as well as the possible solutions. I am sure some of the
problems are being addressed by the many ongoing initiatives.
I also agree with suggestion of building the capacity of Somali NGOs through true
partnership with the INGOs. This an area in which the members of SATG could also
contribute through short-term assignments supporting the Somali NGOs.
Regards, Mohamood
July 14, 2004
Hussein Haji wrote:
Dear members,
It appears that the agenda on natural resources management
has taken precedence over the rest of the agenda on the list. Dr. Noor proposed this
agenda. The title of the agenda is very broad. It includes aspects of resources management
related to water, soil, crop and livestock, agro-forestry, fisheries, etc. However, based
on some of the comments made while setting the agenda, it is quite obvious that the
massive charcoal export to the Middle Eastern countries is going to be the key issue. I
assume that it will be ideal for Dr. Noor to elaborate more on this agenda before engaging
into the discussion.
It is my pleasure to welcome Dr. Bashir Jama to SATG
electronic forum. Bashir works for the International Centre for Research on Agroforestry
(ICRAF), based in Nairobi, Kenya. He is the coordinator for the East and Central Africa
Regional Program. I invited Bashir to be part of the discussion on natural resources
management. His expertise in this field and his international exposure to NRM,
particularly to East and Central Africa, will definitely help the group develop some sorts
of policies and strategies for intervention.
The discussion on NRM may also lead the group to look at
alternative energy sources for domestic uses, e.g. solar energy, wind mills, etc. The
board is considering inviting experts in this field in the event that there is a need to
cover these issues as well.
Mohamed Khasse has volunteered to record the minutes on
this agenda item, and summarize it for its use on the SATG website. Thanks Khasse.
Khalif, I wish you an exciting journey to Somalia. One area
that you can really help is to assist in establishing the linkage between SATG and local
agriculture agencies.
Best regards, Hussein
July 17, 2004
Ali Ismail Ibrahim wrote:
Dear Dr. Hussein,
It is a good idea that next discussion agenda will be
on natural resource management. Let focus on specific sub-top including charcoal
consumption and its export to Arabia peninsula. Please be reminded some studies on
charcoal had undertaken in various parts in Somalia/Somaliland. I will be available
to participate on this discussion regarding charcoal.
In the meantime, next discussion can be included water and
soil conservation based on community level.
Thank you very much indeed for cooperation.
Best regards
Ali Ismail
Hrageisa
July 17, 2004
Mohamoud Abdi Noor wrote:
Dear Members,
First, I would like to warmly welcome Bashir Jama to the group. Second, the degradation of
our natural resources is not limited to the export of charcoal, although it is the most
pressing issue and has implications for the other components of the natural resources.
Therefore, I would like to suggest that we address the following issues and come up
with some recommendations for each:
1. Deforestation with emphasis on charcoal export, domestic
energy, impact on livestock and wildlife (camels, goats and wildlife).
2. Economically important species such as frankincense,
myrrh, yeeb, Arabic gum, aloe, etc.
3. Wildlife.
4. Water resources.
5. Soil degradation.
We can discuss these issues in sequence or in
parallel. Khasse, may Allah reward him, will summarize the outcome.
Regards,
Mohamood
July 19, 2004
Bashir Jama wrote:
Dear Mohamood:
Thanks for the warm welcome. I will do my best to
contribute to the group discussion and to the NRM issues of Somalia. I think you
have provided a comprehensive list that we could discuss for a long while. It may help
also help if we discussed the cause-effects of the problems, and do so within regional and
global perspectives as they surely contribute to both the problems and their solutions.
To focus the discussions, it would help if someone provided
leadership and summarized the key issues emerging on a weekly basis. You would certainly
be a good person to do that, given your enormous experience on these issues and on Somalia
that I have unfortunately never visited.
Cheers,
Bashir Jama,
Regional Coordinator, ICRAF-ECA Region
July 21, 2004
Abdullahi Green wrote:
Dear Members,
I think the extend deforestation has taken place in Somalia
for the last decade or so is alarming, to say the least, and lack of governing authority
has exacerbated the situation. I do not have hard data to support my perception, however,
the growing charcoal business alone is a good indicator of the rate at which trees (which
were already sparse in most of the country) are cut down. It was in the news some time ago
and I heard that concerned Somalis has written to UN and to United Arab Emirates where
most of that trade is destined.
Perhaps, our Somali colleague in the forum [or NGOs which
were involved in programmes intended to slow down the impact of human activity on the
environment] such as Shirwa and Baffo etc., who are more closely in tune of what is going
inside the country can give us an update.
I'll try to dig a document I read a while back regarding
this subject and I'll share with the forum its principal points.
Best regards,
Abdullahi Green
July 22, 2004
Mohamoud "Khalif Bidaar" wrote:
Dear Members
Deforestation in Somalia started with the settlement of
people in the villages and cities because of their needs of woods and charcoals for
cooking and construction. Whenever there is an increase of urban people, the wood and
charcoal needs go up and therefore there is a severe consequence in the environment. On
top of the uses of wood and charcoal nationally, there is a new phenomenon of charcoal
export.
I think that the members’ discussion will focus on how
an alternative and viable energy for cooking and construction materials can be developed
in the country and how the charcoal export can be stopped in a short time.
Regards, Khalif Bidaar
July 22, 2004
JH Tim Williams wrote:
HI.
I would prefer you all to see this deforestation and export
of charcoal as an opportunity. The problem is really that of the trees being a
common good and there being no incentive for people to invest in producing trees. The
demand for fuel provides the opportunity for development of a solar energy-for-cooking
industry and for forestation to provide for the provision of charcoal for both local and
export markets. This may require some policy/incentive changes to require that people
removing trees replant more than they remove. Solar cooking technologies need not be
expensive/capital intensive.
JHW
July 22, 2004
Mohamed Ali Khasse wrote:
I see the opportunity in educating those involved in
harvesting, selling, transporting and exporting the trees--charcoal. In addition, we need
to devise awareness strategies on putting out the severity of deforestation in the country
to all Somalis. Grassroots and community organization efforts would make a difference.
Regards, Khasse
July 23, 2004
Bashir Jama wrote:
Dear colleagues;
What would help the discussion a little bit more is
information on the hot spots (geographical areas within the country) of deforestation for
charcoal. How much is exported annually and is it all from one region within the country
or more? What is it being used for in the Emirates? May be the customers there could
also do with advice on energy saving devices such as the solar panels or cook stoves. I
would like to know a little bit more what the main uses of the charcoal in the Emirates
and elsewhere it is going. This information would help us a great deal in thinking of what
the most appropriate interventions may be.
Cheers,
Bashir Jama
July 23, 2004
Hussein Haji wrote:
Dear members,
Bashir, the articles on the following links may provide
some answers to your questions.
http://www.hamarey.com/index.php/article/articleview/646/1/4
http://www.banadir.com/comm.shtml
Regards, Hussein
July 23, 2004
Bob Buker wrote:
Hussein,
Solar thermal using mirrors as low cost as those used in
candy bar rappers could provide 90% of the cooking fuel in Somalia.
Bob Buker
July 26, 2004
Mohamoud Ali wrote:
The issue of charcoal is a pervasive one through out Africa
and more in the Sahelian Belt. What makes it more destructive and ubiquitous in Somalia is
the excessive migration to urban centers from rural areas. The man-made global warming
where the drier regions of the world would be scorched quicker than temperate regions that
have floods and turbulent climate changes. The prevailing survivalist mode in the country,
the lack of any regulatory entities with enforcement, the unaffordability and
unavailability of appropriate substitute cooking technology to the Somali households
and the lucrative charcoal export to the Gulf makes the situation worse.
Unless all the stakeholders in the charcoal web in a
holistic approach tackle all the above factors, the problem will stay for the time being.
Therefore, to focus only on charcoal in the discussion is in humble opinion a futile,
in NRM section.
I believe, before the implosion of Somalia, the Range
Agency and its parent Ministry were making some tangible efforts in this area. I also
believe many of those individuals running those activities are around. I think it would be
advisable to locate them, as part of our data collection exercise and benefit from them. I
think the long time general manager of that agency is in Nairobi now and I know two
of the last Directors of the Forestry Department, one of whom is one who started the
Department itself in 1960 and was the Director General of the Ministry of Livestock,
forest, Range and Wild Life since the creation of that Ministry. His advice and experience
is of immense value. There is a local NGO in Puntland that has a functioning status on
Environmental Degradation and Mitigation. I believe it is the only one, in my knowledge,
at home now. Back then; GTZ was doing a pilot test in Mubarak Village, Lower Shabeelle,
for solar stove, as a small component in the Lower Shabeelle Small Holder Irrigation
Project. It would be of interest if they have produced a report on them or came back to
continue their effort.
Having addressed that global issue, I am of the opinion
that what could be more effective, efficient, achievable, manageable and most pressing
issue on NRM is the Irrigation Rehabilitation, with quickest impact, as proposed by Dr.
Noor. Therefore, I think it is more advisable to address this issue in the discussion,
rather than loose more time and effort only on charcoal.
I do apologize for the length of the statement.
Mohamoud Ali
July 26, 2004
Mohamed Ali Khasse wrote:
Mr.Buker,
Back in 1989, through an FAO Consultant from California,
the Food Policy Group of the Ministry of Agriculture demonstrated use of Homemade Solar
Box Cookers in Mogadishu and Bariire (Afgoye Area). We used cardboard, aluminum foil,
small piece of square glass, small stick to open/close the box, glue and dark pots. The
demonstration was very successful and continued by an NGO Group in the Marka area. Again,
as I mentioned earlier, it is a matter of giving the people alternatives to cook their
food. The price of charcoal is going up and people are ready to get other way of cooking
food. I believe the ingenious Somali people will come up with new ways of cooking.
Regards,
July 27, 2004
Mohamoud Abdi Noor wrote:
Colleagues,
Can Khasse summarize the NRM and come up with recommendations based on the discussions?
We can add our final input to the summary and then move to another topic.
Regards,
Mohamood
July 28, 2004
Mohamed Ali Khasse wrote:
Dr. Noor,
I am waiting the rest of the distinguished members to put
out their voices before embarking on summarizing the NRM issues so far discussed. I hope
to post the summary on Saturday, July 31, 2004.
Best regards, Khasse
July 28, 2004
Hussein Haji wrote:
Dear members,
This is to remind the group about the different components
of NRM proposed for discussion by Dr. Noor. Based on the on-going discussion, we hardly
scratched the surface of the first part (deforestation and charcoal export) and, for
whatever reason; most inputs have come from those that are remotely connected to the
actual situation on the ground. To have a meaningful recommendation, we do need feedback
from the insiders. Here are the different aspects of NRM suggested earlier by Dr. Noor:
1. Deforestation with emphasis on charcoal export, domestic
energy, impact on livestock and wildlife (camels, goats and wildlife).
2. Economically important species such as frankincense,
myrrh, yeeb, Arabic gum, aloe, etc.
3. Wildlife.
4. Water resources.
5. Soil degradation.
Regards, Hussein
July 30, 2004
Mohamoud Abdi Noor wrote:
Hussein,
I agree with the list you proposed and to ask for insiders input. Let us extend the time
and wait for input on the topics listed by Hussein.
Regards,
Mohamood
August 1, 2004
Aden Aw-Hassan wrote:
Dear all;
I see now that the discussion is on. Here are some of my
thoughts.
Deforestation is a result of a number of basic development
factors:
1. Clearing land for settlements and for construction
driven by human population growth and the demand for open land and construction material.
2. Clearing land for cultivation, this is also driven my
human population growth and the demand for food
3. Cutting trees for livestock feed and overgrazing of
bushes.
4. Cutting trees for energy for domestic use and for export
(this is the most serious problem facing Somalia).
Deforestation is also affected by a number of institutional
factors. These could include:
b) Lack of property rights
c) Non existence of institutions that research, document,
develop and enforce rules and regulations for managing natural resources
d) Contradicting government ministries pursuing different
objectives or simply having disjoint operations
e) Low cost and unregulated fuel woods market
f) Higher cost and lack of know-how on the use of cooking
gas, and
g) Lack of alternative livelihoods for those involved in
fuel wood enterprise.
Given these diagnosis, the remedy is apparently multiple
and complex. We can start with some immediate actions while waiting the establishment of a
legitimate and effective government in the whole country (we can not wait for that):
1. Establish and strengthen the NGOs currently involved in
combating desertification in their capacity in data gathering, documenting and developing
public awareness of the problem as well as initiating pilot projects such as planting
trees in community protected areas near villages! These will be used as educational areas.
2. Initiate programs through NGOs that promote the use of
cooking gas technologies in the urban areas, reducing the taxes on cooking gas
technologies. Performance of NGOs will be determined by their ability to transform urban
use of wood fuel to cooking gas technology. This performance will be assessed against
predetermined targets. But this will not be possible as long as the charcoal option is
cheaper. This calls for effective regulation of charcoal market. This can be addressed, at
least temporarily, by developing programs for the functioning regional governments and
functioning local village councils to regulate the charcoal market under strict UNDP or
UNEP guidelines. The proceedings of the charcoal tax could be matched with development
fund (dollar for 2 dollars), which will be spent on development program on the most
affected areas (which lose the charcoal income) due to the regulation and on the
development and promotion of cooking gas technology.
3. The UNDPO should make dialogue with the importing
countries along with Somali stakeholders (Concerned Somali entities like Universities,
NGOS, this Forum, etc) in taking credible actions in controlling the charcoal imports in
to their countries.
4. This Forum must participate in the capacity
building of NGOS and stakeholder discussion in taking action.
5. All the above points can be prepared as a proposal
document to be submitted to UNDP or UNEP for funding.
We can do these small practical steps immediately.
One final point, when a legitimate government is formed,
(hopefully, soon) there should not be separate Ministries of Agriculture, and Livestock
and Range. As these sectors are integrated and if disjoint decisions/programs are
taken/implemented, as has been the case in the past, it will contribute to weak
institutional framework that can not effectively combat deforestation.
Regards,
Aden Aw-Hassan
Research Project Manager
Agricultural Economist
ICARDA
A.Aw-Hassan@cgiar.org
August 1, 2004
Aden Aw-Hassan wrote:
I have seen Roberto's comment after sending mine. It is
great. This should be part of what I proposed. What we need is immediate action. The
technologies and other regulatory instruments are well known and are available. We need
action. We need to conceive a program (modest one) that some of these ideas and
technologies can be tested in different places in the country, which could form the basis
for national action plan in the future.
Aden
August 3, 2004
Abdullahi Green wrote:
Dear Colleaques,
In addition to Aden's recommendation, I would like to add
the donor agencies such FAO should facilitate the resumption of livestock export to
Arabia. They can help in disease and quality control assurance. In this way, the
businessmen will revert to their traditional livestock trading practices and thus cease
cutting trees.
I came across this essay regarding deforestation written by
PhD candidate.
Here is the link:
http://www.somwat.com/Essay.html
Thanks
Abdullahi Green
August 3, 2004
Hussein Haji wrote:
Khasse,
The only part of the agenda on NRM so far discussed is
deforestation and charcoal export. We have a long way to go. Go ahead, summarize what has
been discussed up to this date, and if possible post it to the forum at the earliest
possible time. Once the first part is completed than we can shift the discussion to the
other parts of the agenda (water and soil management, Crop and livestock, biodiversity,
etc.).
Regards, Hussein
August 3, 2004
Hussein Haji wrote:
Dear members,
Aden, the following summary of a study conducted in Somalia
on cooking gas technologies as an alternative sources to charcoal might be of interest to
you. The complete report can be found at ODI website. We have a link to the report under
alternatives to energy at http://www.markacadeey.com/satg/.
Here is the summary:
The Government of Somalia Technical Committee for
Energy’s final report on alternative energy sources for urban areas. [Soussan, J.
1990. ETC Consultants, UK J Soussan]. This report was commissioned by the Somali
government to weigh up alternatives to the prevailing high levels of charcoal consumption
in Mogadishu. Neither electricity nor LPG (natural gas) were viable substitutes for
charcoal because the costs of appliances and connections would exclude poor households.
Kerosene was the only possible alternative. The author argued that to promote the use of
kerosene over charcoal, the government would have to begin importing the fuel and to
dismantle the present system of price controls and monopolies by two retail co-operatives.
Overall, the report provides a concise and realistic appraisal of the policy choices faced
in an urban setting of poor infrastructure, widespread poverty, rampant inflation and
limited foreign currency.
Regards, Hussein
August 3, 2004
Mohamed Ali Khasse wrote:
Colleagues,
"Green" Abdullahi thanks for your effort to
forward the essay "on
Deforestation" by Abdullahi Elmi Mohamed, Ph.D.
candidate, to this forum. So far, the discussion on the proposed NRM Agenda focused on
Deforestation and Export of Charcoal. Before we move on to the other parts of the NRM
Agenda [Water & Soil Management, Crop and livestock, biodiversity, etc.], please
submit your comments, suggestions, solutions/alternatives on Deforestation and Export of
Charcoal before the weekend. This will give me time to summarize the Agenda item and make
it available to all members in the Forum.
If any one feels that we need more time to cover this item,
please let us know. It is summer time, possibly some members are on vacation and did not
have time to review the discussions. Let us conclude this item and move on to the next.
Regards,
August 4, 2004
Kate Longley wrote:
FAO, EC and World Bank have recently developed a livestock
sector strategy for Somalia. It is a huge document, but I will try to get hold of an
electronic copy and send it to Hussein Haji so that he can make it available on the SATG
website. The World Bank (though its initiative for Low Income Countries Under Stress) is
particularly interested in supporting livestock exports. I will also try to find out if
the World Bank's LICUS document can be made available.
Regards,
Kate
August 4, 2004
Vittorio Cagnolati wrote:
Dear Abdullahi
The resumption of livestock trade is unfortunately much
more complex than just asking FAO to facilitate the resumption of animal export. There are
at the moment a number of interventions that are trying to address the issue (PACE of
IBAR, EXELEX of FAO, Red Sea Livestock trade commission of IBAR among the most relevant).
However, animal health certification is increasingly becoming regulated by international
standards, which are based on well-structured, funded and functioning veterinary services.
At present, the rudimentary Somali veterinary services have major constraints in meeting
minimum standards, especially in the absence of internationally recognized government(s).
On the other hand, livestock trade is increasingly competitive and other exporting
countries are taking advantage of the present difficulties of the Somali livestock
industry. Livestock trade requires a variety of well- coordinated interventions, qualified
staff, supporting policies, a strong public sector and long-term vision and commitment.
All these elements are unfortunately not very abundant in present Somalia and local
leaders and decision makers are still hoping for short-term solutions and short cuts. I do
not want to appear too pessimistic, but the Somali livestock industry can regain its past
role and importance (I strongly believe that the Somali livestock industry has the
potentiality of becoming a very important source of income for Somali pastoralists if
animal resources are properly branded, certified and export is well-coordinated) only if
there is the full appreciation that large investments (especially in human resources) are
needed for a very long period. Opportunistic behaviors have worked very well in the past:
today globalization is demanding well-targeted and coordinated investments, and livestock
trade is much globalized.
Regards
Vittorio Cagnolati
A veterinarian that has worked in the Somali areas in the
last eleven years.
Summary
Colleagues,
It seems that the discussion on NRM is winding down. There
has not been any activity since August 4 -- a week from tomorrow. So far, I copied 46
e-mails from the Forum discussion into a word document. Some of the e-mails contain
valuable recommendations that you will see incorporated in the final summary. The
discussion focused on desertification, particularly the devastating impact of charcoal
export to the Arabian Peninsula. Moreover, others suggested the need to find low-tech
means to substitute use of charcoal for cooking inside the country. With the help of the
local authorities in the country, banning export of charcoal, imposing heavy taxes at the
local and points of export could be a viable solution for now. In the past, solar cooking
demonstrated to be successful in the country. Some other policy changes and incentives
proposed were to require those removing trees to plant more than they remove. This will
not be possible without educating all involved in this business. Through UNDP and other
international agencies, this Forum should avail a venue to bring the gravity of the
problem in Somalia to the attention of charcoal importing countries. A colleague suggested
there are some "experts" in this field who are still around, and could be tapped
for their wisdom. Thus, in the future, to better manage the natural resources of the
country and have a strong institution, the recommendation is to have one Ministry of
Agriculture dealing with issues related to agriculture, livestock and range management.
If you need details of the discussion, please see attached
file.
Regards,
Mohamed Ali Khasse
14910 Enterprise Lane
Woodbridge, VA 22191
703-79-4349 [W]
703-490-6261 [H]
703-298-8013 [M]
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