Examining climate-smart local economic development in Somalia: Insights from Hudur City

Abstract

This study explores the integration of climate-smart strategies into local economic development (LED) in Hudur city. Employing a mixed-methods approach, this research combines quantitative analysis with qualitative insights from semi-structured interviews. This study identifies agriculture, renewable energy, and infrastructure development as critical sectors for embedding climate resilience into LEDs. This highlights the importance of community engagement, public‒private partnerships, and robust governance in facilitating climate-smart economic development. Additionally, the findings reveal key barriers, including inadequate institutional capacity and funding constraints, which hinder the effective implementation of climate-responsive strategies. This research offers actionable recommendations to integrate climate adaptation and mitigation measures into local economic planning. This study contributes to the growing literature on climate-smart development in conflict-affected settings by bridging the gap between climate resilience and local economic development, offering innovative insights into sustainable growth amid complex challenges. Unlike previous studies that focused primarily on climate adaptation in stable environments, this study highlights the intersection of climate resilience, economic development, and governance in fragile settings. This study offers empirical evidence on the role of local institutions and public‒private partnerships in enhancing climate resilience and provides a model for incorporating climate-smart planning into local economic policies.