FAO SWALIM has completed a hydrogeological assessment of Gedo Region, South Somalia. The study was done through remote sensing analysis of satellite images, owing to the limited ground access in most parts of the region. The assessment aimed at identifying potential groundwater aquifers for sustainable groundwater resources development to improve water supply availability to drought affected communities in the region. Gedo region is among the worst water scarce regions in Somalia, and despite reliance on groundwater resources limited geological and hydrogeological information existed prior to this assessment to guide extraction of groundwater through borehole drilling.

The main products of the study include a regional hydrogeology map for Gedo at scale 1:500,000; three hydrogeology maps at scale 1:200,000 for selected areas of interest at Dollow, Garbaharrey and Bardheere districts; GIS databases and study report.

Some key findings of the study include:

• Limited groundwater resources, in both terms quantitative and qualitative were confirmed for Gedo region.
• The most prosperous areas for further research and development of groundwater resources were located along the intergranular aquifer in alluviums of Juba River and numerous tributaries (toggas).
• Water quality was identified as a major problem in the region, both from deep and shallow aquifers. There are water salinity problems across the entire region.

The study recommended detailed hydrogeological and geophysical surveys in the areas identified to have potential for groundwater. Establishment of groundwater monitoring network for the region was also recommended.

The study report and other products are at final stages of review, after which they will be disseminated to the Somali Government authorities and other partners.

bridge media | Jordan