How Radio Saves Lives in Somalia
For Somalis, FM radio provides more than news updates and information. It is an effective tool of mass communication to disseminate lifesaving warnings ahead of flood or drought.
By Sara Cuevas Gallardo
“The river levels will rise next week — seek higher ground,” warns a radio voice in Lebow village, central Somalia.
For many, it’s a routine update; for Mariam’s family living near the Shebelle River, it is lifesaving.
“We heard the radio messages and received notifications from community leaders about the rising water, and we moved to higher ground to protect our belongings and our family,” she said.
Although Mariam lost her home to the floods, the early warning messages and cash transfers provided by the World Food Programme (WFP) ahead of the March to May 2024 rainy season enabled her to relocate her family and livestock swiftly and safely.
“Radio is very useful and should be used for future warnings.”
Some 250 kilometers downstream in the city of Jowhar, another mother also received the radio messages. “We managed to save the house by filling any gaps with sand, but unfortunately our crops were destroyed,” said Halima — a mother of four children.
Why Radio Matters
Radio has long been a pillar of communication in Somalia. Given the country’s strong oral traditions and high illiteracy rates, radio is an effective and affordable way to reach communities far and wide— from nomadic pastoralists to urban dwellers. Whether delivering news, educational programmes, or lifesaving early warning messages, radio plays a critical role in ensuring that even the most remote communities are informed.
In a country prone to droughts and floods, sending warning messages and cash transfers in advance of a drought or flood can help improve food security, reduce reliance on negative coping mechanisms, such as selling livestock, and strengthen community resilience.
During the March to May 2024 rainy season, WFP and the Somalia Disaster Management Agency (SODMA) reached nearly 2 million people with flood-related early warning messages. Almost 1.5 million of them were reached through radio.
Radio for Social Change
Radio is more than a crisis response tool. From December 2023 to June 2024, WFP partnered with local media organisation, Eagle Media, to run a fraud awareness campaign, educating communities on spotting and reporting phone scams. By promoting transparency and accountability, these programmes help ensure humanitarian assistance reaches the right people and enhance efficiency of spending.
WFP trains journalists to report on humanitarian issues and engage affected communities, ensuring radio remains a trusted source for disaster risk management.
A Two-Way Communication Channel
Radio in Somalia is a dynamic platform for dialogue, not just a one-way information dissemination tool. Local radio stations receive listener reports on issues from disputes to challenges in receiving humanitarian assistance, which are shared with WFP to inform decisions and improve response efforts.
As humanitarian needs evolve, investing in radio and other accessible communication channels — such as mobile messages and ringtones, focus group discussions, and community engagement activities — is key to keeping communities informed and empowering them to act when faced with crises.
With support from the World Bank and the governments of Denmark, Germany and Somalia, WFP uses radio to effectively communicate with local communities in Somalia.
