Dear RISA,

I’m glad to inform you that the UNDP’S quests committee had approved my
application to lobby and support the LIVESTOCK SECTOR (LS) in Somali/land for a
period of 3 months. Despite the very short time frames of my placement, multiple
problems and appalling indifference of the current Somali regional authorities to say
the least, I’m confidently believe I would make a positive impact to this sector. I hope
this would be a catalyst in promoting the LS to Achieve it’s potentiality in securing
decent livelihoods, social and economic well being and, most importantly, stability
for all in the region.

The above ‘Enormous hope’ could only be started with the involvement of all
stakeholders as clearly stated in your 2004 report on Somali Live stock sector
strategy. It is obviously, from current anecdotal studies, it will be very slow, hard
work and complex even to simply halt the predicaments and deterioration of this
sector. Hence, the real need to act fast in co-operating, networking and testing every
hypothesis provided it is agreed by all stakeholders.

Therefore, I would like to take this opportunity to present you now a possible and
realistic approach in dealing with the complex, devastating and real issue in the region
associated in cutting trees for charcoal as a cooking fuel.

This marginal and dubious activity is not only devastating the tree population and
woodlands, but had a physical strangle hold to all life in the region. Pastoralists and
their livestock being the primary victims of the charcoal trade.

After years of serious thinking, consultation with all Somali Business and authorities,
researching alternative suitable cooking fuel and strong persuasion of others to act. I
have finally came- up with a realistic, affordable, suitable, introducible and most
importantly can be managed by all concerned. Further more, I have already
incorporated the current acute problems of political instability, weak regional
authorities, funding scarcity, rampant corruption etc.

The model is basically as follows:

To introduce various alternative cooking fuel/energy and equipment to the region by:

1- Importing cheap different Kerosene Stoves and Solar Cookers from China and
India by using Somali Private Businesses.
2- Somaliland authority to waive duty and port tax. Legislate against charcoal use
if project is successful.
3- UNDP will guarantee buying half of imported equipment OR give 50%
subsidy to those who cannot afford to buy the equipment, the needy and other
low income families etc.

I have already persuaded both private business and S/L authority to invest in the
 cooking energy sector in order to solve the shortage of charcoal, price rises and
the associated problems in the environment. What is now missing is the role of the
International Community and I hope the UNDP will be able to fill this gap sooner
rather than later. I would be kindly grateful if you could comment on this early
stage proposal ASAP. If this is beyond the remits of your post, could you please
pass to the appropriate officer within the UNDP. In any case, I would also
appreciate your personal comment on this. Any other assistance rendered to me
regarding this matter would also be appreciated.

Thanking you in advance for your co-operation.

Ajab