Jowhar District, Middle Shabelle, February, 2024
ACCESS conducted a rapid assessment across flood-affected communities to understand displacement, livelihood pressures, river and canal risks, conflict dynamics and the roles of women, youth and local institutions.
The team combined site observation, focus group discussions, informal exchanges and key-informant interviews. Field visits documented vulnerable riverbanks, damaged canals and recurring breaches, while discussions with elders, traders, women, youth and government actors captured how flooding affects agriculture, mobility, markets and community relations.
The findings pointed to urgent community-led flood mitigation and restoration of irrigation infrastructure, supported by livelihood recovery and sustainable farming. They also emphasized peacebuilding, inclusive local decision-making, vocational opportunities for young people, gender-responsive support and stronger coordination among institutions and communities.
The assessment converted local experience into an actionable evidence base for flood response, livelihood recovery and inclusive resilience programming in Jowhar.