The Enhancing Resilience in Border Communities: Climate-Adapted Water Management and Feeder Roads (DARIS WACAN) project was officially launched on February 18, 2025, marking a significant step towards improving climate resilience, water resource management and socio-economic development for border communities in Somalia and Kenya. Funded by the European Union (EU), the three-year initiative – to be implemented by the International Organization for Migration (IOM) and the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) – aims to benefit 160,000 people by expanding access to sustainable water, strengthening infrastructure and promoting climate-adaptive livelihoods.

DARIS WACAN, which means “good neighbours” in Somali, targets drought-affected border communities reliant on transboundary natural resources and struggling with insufficient water – for human and livestock consumption, and agriculture. Beyond infrastructure, the project will support income-generating activities to help communities diversify their income and reduce reliance on dwindling natural resources.

“Improving access to clean water and extending coverage of reliable roads will significantly change lives of border communities leading to long term resilience,” said Ambassador Gamal Hassan, Director, IGAD Center for Climate Adaptation and Environmental Protection. “With better infrastructure, families can support their livestock, farmers can irrigate their crops, and traders can reach markets more easily. This project is a game-changer for enhancing climate resilience and economic development that has potential to positively impact the wider IGAD region.”