Nugaal is bordered by Sool and Kakaar-Dharor to the northeast, west Golis pastoral to the northwest, Togdheer to the west, Hawd to the south and Coastal deeh to the east.
Nugaal Valley is a key pastoral area which spans across four regions: 10% of Nugal (Eyl and Garowe districts), 75% of Sool (Talex, Xudun, Caynabo and Laas Caanood districts), 10% of Sanag (Ceel Afweyne and Ceerigaabo districts) and 5% of Togdheer (part of Burco and Buuhoodle districts).
October 2009-September 2010 was identified as the reference year for the baseline assessment because it was the most recent consumption period that the respondents could easily recall.