Minister of Agriculture Concludes Meeting on Agricultural Development and Food Security

MOGADISHU – The Minister of Agriculture and Irrigation of the Federal Government of Somalia, Mohamed Abdi Hayir (Maareeye), has concluded a two-day meeting with federal and regional state agriculture ministers, which resulted in key agreements aimed at strengthening coordination, enhancing agricultural productivity, and reinforcing national food security.

The meeting, which brought together agriculture officials from the federal government and federal member states, focused on improving collaboration and coordination in the agricultural sector. Participants reached several important decisions, including the establishment of a National Agricultural Coordination Framework, the scheduling of regular meetings to assess agricultural progress, the implementation of a National Farmers Registry, and the development of a modern system for managing food security data and early warning systems.

Minister Maareeye has reported a significant rise in domestic agricultural practices, noting that public understanding of farming’s strategic importance continues to grow. The ministry is currently rolling out enhanced agricultural initiatives that prioritise the development of robust water infrastructure projects and the widespread introduction of contemporary, high-yield cultivation methods.

A Unified National Approach

The meeting also agreed to strengthen coordination between federal and state governments to establish a unified national system for agricultural data. The system is intended to serve as a central hub for agricultural information, accelerating the development of production and food security across Somalia.

The European Union has pledged stronger backing for Somalia’s farm reforms, with discussions focusing on land and water management reforms and modernising farming practices as Somalia seeks to shift from dependency on food imports to becoming a competitive agricultural producer.

Government Support and International Cooperation

Turkey has donated modern equipment to boost the Ministry of Agriculture’s operational capacity, with Minister Maareeye formally accepting the items and calling the assistance a significant step toward modernising the ministry and improving its services.

The Minister has launched a new initiative to equip local farmers with vital farming tools and machinery, including cargo motorcycles and grain processing equipment, in collaboration with Qatar Charity. The effort aims to enhance productivity, ease transportation of farm produce, and strengthen post-harvest handling.

Addressing Climate Challenges

The Cabinet has endorsed a national El Niño preparedness plan as the country faces the threat of severe flooding, displacement, and disruption to agriculture and food security. Officials have outlined a national response framework focusing on preventive measures, inter-agency coordination, and rapid response to protect civilian lives, safeguard agricultural livelihoods, and maintain food supplies.

Minister Maareeye represented Somalia at the 17th Berlin Agriculture Ministers’ Conference, which gathered ministers from 62 nations to address critical global food security challenges and underscored Somalia’s commitment to advocating for solutions that support vulnerable populations.

Way Forward

The agreements reached at the two-day meeting reflect the government’s commitment to strengthening the agricultural sector as a cornerstone of economic recovery and food security. The establishment of a National Agricultural Coordination Framework and a unified data system is expected to improve coordination between federal and state levels, enabling more effective policy implementation and resource allocation. As Somalia continues to face climate-related challenges, the modernisation of agricultural practices and the strengthening of early warning systems will be essential for building resilience and ensuring long-term food security.