334 Scarcity and SurfeitSufficient availability of water is a perennial environmental problem in
most of Somalia, where rainfall is unpredictable and patchy. Various water
sources exist in Somalia. In rangeland areas herders use wells, shallow wells,
water catchments and government-built boreholes. Currently, however, very
few wells or water catchments are functioning. Water scarcity is a severe
problem that commonly leads to localised competition, such as between
interacting pastoralist groups over access to and control of key water points.
Competition for scarce water resources and the livelihood options that derive
from the control of water are deeply ingrained in Somali life and culture.34 In
most parts of the country, there is a history of water scarcity. But scarcities
have worsened owing to widespread destruction and looting of water supply
installations and the general lack of maintenance.
A small forestry sector exists in Somalia and is dominated by production
of frankincense and myrrh for export. Massive charcoal production for export
continues in parts of north-west and southern Somalia as With regard
to fisheries, production was poor in the past. The sector showed modest
growth during the 1980s but remained a minor economic activity for coastal
people. In 1997, 15 700 metric tons of fish were caught and fishing provided
for both local consumption and exports. Somalia's mineral sector makes an
insignificant contribution to the overall economy (in 1998 it represented only
0.3% of GDP). There was also some production of salt using solar evapora-
tion methods, mining of meerschaum (sepiolite) in the Galgudud area and
some mining of limestone for cement in the Berbera and Bardera areas.
Somalia also has some large uranium deposits in the Galgudud and Bay
regions. In the Bay region, there are also large iron ore deposits. Somalia's
1986 Development Plan reported that indications of favourable oil and gas
resources in the country persisted. Currently no mining is taking place in the
country.
Domestic wood, charcoal and imported petroleum provide basic sources
of energy in Somalia. The significant hydroelectric potential of the Jubba
River remains unexploited and the four small-scale wind tribune generators
no longer operate in Mogadishu. The World Bank and the United Nations
Development Programme (UNDP) Hydrocarbon study carried out in 1991
indicated good potential for oil and gas deposits in northern Somalia. In view
of the civil war in Somalia following the fall of Siad Barre, however, various
foreign oil exploration plans were cancelled.
Exploitation of uranium is largely through open mines. Other valuable nat-
ural resources, such as iron ore, tin, gypsum, bauxite, copper and salt are
largely unexploited. However, unconfirmed reports state that precious stones
and other natural resources are exploited and exported outside Somalia by
well-connected foreigners usually through faction leaders and under the ban-
ner of some aid agencies.