Mogadishu, Somalia - Sustainable food systems must be the focus of government actions to achieve a better life for all in Somalia – that was the key message at a Somali Government, Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and World Food Programme (WFP) joint learning workshop in Mogadishu for a concluded resilience building project.  The joint resilience programme was funded with generous financial support of the Swedish Embassy in Somalia.

 

The workshop was attended by several stakeholders, including senior staff from the Federal Government of Somalia, farmer cooperatives, State government representatives, the Swedish Embassy staff, local partners among others who were actively engaged in the project.

The workshop brought together all project stakeholders to reflect and draw key learnings from the implementation of this joint resilience action. The project enhanced resilience of vulnerable farming households through wholesome farm to folk approach and empowered 7 500 farmers and 30 cooperatives through innovative and climate smart agriculture production techniques.

“Achieving better life for all through sustainable investments in agricultural value chains is the key to ensuring food and nutrition security in Somalia. The Ministry of Agriculture and Irrigation will continue to play a vital role in delivering its mandate through coordination and collaboration with partners to deliver to Somali farmers effectively and efficiently”. Hon Minister, Mohamed Abdi Hayir

Sweden Ambassador to Somalia, H.E. Ambassador Joachim Waern, observed that Sweden is a longtime partner to Somalia. Said the Ambassador, the “The Somalia we see going forward today is very different from before. Today there is a political will to do something good for its people, and to implement reforms to develop the country. The government’s responsibility and accountability are to its people.  Added the Ambassador, “A more developed agriculture and a more market-based farming modality is a crucial part of a more prosperous Somalia. The Somali people, with their entrepreneurship in their blood, is the key for a more economic and sustainable future.”

Speaking at the same event, and representing FAO Somalia, Ezana Kassa highlighted the vital role of partnerships in building resilient livelihoods and transforming agrifood systems, noting that ‘Strong partnership with MoAI at federal and state levels, ensured the success of this joint resilience project in Somalia and is essential for creating efficient, inclusive, and sustainable agrifood systems, and strengthening smallholder farmers resilience to climate change in Somalia.’

WFP Country Director El khidir Daloum also weighed in and held that “Working hand-in-hand with the Somali government at both federal and state levels, and development agencies such as FAO is crucial for boosting productivity and creating vital market linkages for smallholder farmers. These efforts, exemplified by the successful joint resilience project supported by the Swedish embassy, are essential for developing sustainable food systems and strengthening Somalia’s resilience to climate change. Such alliances drive immediate improvements and lay the groundwork for long-term stability and growth in Somalia.”

The learning event was also attended by selected farmer cooperatives project participants who highlighted the positive changes the project had made for them. One of the farmer representatives was grateful for the training support they received in good agricultural practices and post-harvest loss management, which boosted their production and income.  However, the farmers noted that they will still need to ensure that they access markets for their produce.