Somalia launches ambitious agricultural plan to boost food security

SOMALIA – Somalia’s federal government has launched a sweeping agricultural reform agenda that aims to cut food imports, support smallholder farmers, and strengthen resilience against climate shocks.

The new programme, Beero oo Barwaaqee Soomaaliya (BBS), which translates as “Farm, and Make Somalia Prosper,” seeks to shift Somalia from decades of dependency to homegrown production. Officials described the initiative as one of the most comprehensive rural development strategies in recent years.

Minister of Agriculture and Irrigation Mohamed Abdi Hayir Maareeye told farmers and partners at the launch in Mogadishu that the government designed the programme to empower producers rather than dictate from above. “It is designed not only to feed Somalia but to empower our farmers for generations to come,” he said.

Under the BBS framework, farmers will gain access to improved seeds, drought-tolerant crops, extension services, and financing options. The plan also promotes climate-smart practices such as rainwater harvesting, fodder cultivation, and sustainable irrigation systems to help communities withstand erratic weather.

A central part of the programme is the rollout of demonstration farms, which act as both training grounds and innovation hubs. So far, nine model farms have opened in Afgoye, Balcad, Kismayo, and Baidoa. These facilities will showcase improved practices and provide hands-on training to nearby farmers.

The government intends to expand the network to 100 integrated farms by 2029. Officials say they hope private investors, the Somali diaspora, and international partners will contribute to scaling the approach.

Building resilience with climate partnerships

Despite its fertile land and river systems, Somalia still relies heavily on food imports. Experts point to years of conflict, weak investment, outdated farming methods, and climate stress as key reasons for the gap.

The BBS programme connects closely with other resilience projects already under way. The Ugbaad project, funded by the Green Climate Fund and run with the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), focuses on restoring degraded land, improving irrigation, and giving rural communities better access to water.

More than 40,000 hectares are set for restoration, with about 900,000 people expected to benefit.

Both BBS and Ugbaad fall under the broader National Transformation Plan (NTP 2025–2029), which prioritizes agriculture, trade, energy, and infrastructure as drivers of growth.

Analysts caution that major obstacles remain, including poor rural infrastructure, land tenure disputes, and the risk of extreme weather disrupting progress. Effective coordination between national and state governments, along with community involvement, will be key to success.

If implemented as planned, BBS could begin to shift Somalia from chronic food insecurity toward self-reliance. The coming years will show whether model farms, climate-smart methods, and wider investment can help Somalia turn fertile land into lasting food security.

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