Somalis in Tech announce the launch of their second annual virtual Hackathon with a specific focus on Climate Change.
The community organisation Somalis in Tech have announced they will launch a second hackathon later this month. This year the theme is climate change an issue that has been affecting The East Africa region for decades. The theme for the last hackathon was COVID-19, another issue that has affected the community disproportionately.
Somalis in Tech says,
“The regularity of climate-related shocks in Somali territories is incredibly concerning. In a region where large amounts of the population depend upon pastoralism and agriculture for income and sustenance – this can have a disastrous impact on the livelihoods and security of rural communities.”
A rise in prolonged drouhgts has increased the amount of herder-farmer conflicts between the setted communities and livestock herders as they compete for fewer resources. In 2019, 53,000 people were displaced from their homes as a result of crop failure and losses in livestock income due to drought.
Somalis in Tech says:
“Climate Change and environmental security is the greatest issue faced by the world today. But research has shown that its most devastating impacts are felt by the communities closest to us.”
This year’s climate change theme is in line with the organisation’s focus on tackling relevant and current issues. Last year, the organisation hosted its very first hackathon which saw participants develop tech-based solutions to support the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic.
Somalis in Tech says:
“This event is open to everyone from all skill sets and backgrounds. The aim of the weekend is to create something that will benefit the community. It is also about developing participants tech skills and helping them along on their career journey.”
The event takes place between the 29-31st of October. Participants will be placed in teams and work together throughout the weekend to develop tech-based solutions to climate change issues.
Somalis in Tech says,
“This event is open to everyone from all skill sets and backgrounds. It will be an opportunity for participants to think in new and innovative ways about technology. How can we bridge tech with the wider world and use digital solutions to have a sustainable impact?”
For sign-ups and further information, please visit: https://somalisintech.com/hackathon2021/
About Somalis in Tech
Founded in 2020, Somalis in Tech is a registered social enterprise that seeks to increase the visibility and representation of Somali talent in the tech industry. It aims to support the upskilling of the community into tech roles, and provide them with space and resources to connect and collaborate it is a global community with over 1,100 members around the world.
https://somalisintech.com/
