Reducing food shortage is among the targets in a new agricultural strategy unveiled by Somalia's government.
The Integrated Model Farms Programme, known locally as Beero oo Barwaaqee Soomaaliya (BBS), translated as Farm, and make Somalia prosper, has been hailed as the most ambitious step yet to shift the country from food dependency to self-reliance.
“A new era for Somalia’s agriculture has begun,” said Mohamed Abdi Hayir Maareeye, the Minister of Agriculture and Irrigation, at the launch in the capital, Mogadishu.
Under the programme, the government seeks to modernise farming through sustainable rainwater harvesting, climate-smart technologies, drought-tolerant crops, fodder cultivation and sustainable irrigation systems.
“It is designed not only to feed Somalia but to empower our farmers for generations to come,” the minister said.
Some nine demonstration farms have been established in Afgoye, Balcad, Kismayo, and Baidoa that will serve as training and innovation hubs. That number will be increased to 100 across the country by 2029 to create a nationwide network of integrated farming centers.
The ministry urged the Somali private sector, diaspora community and development partners to invest in scaling up the model farms - with a significant number expected to be funded through partnerships.
Food security challenges.
Somalia is endowed with vast arable lands, major rivers and favorable climatic zones but still imports most of its food.
“Traditional farming practices, limited access to technology and lack of investment have constrained productivity, leaving farmers unable to maximize their potential.” Minister Mareye said.
“We asked ourselves, why are Somalis hungry while we have fertile land and abundant natural resources?”
“This programme provides a concrete answer by replacing outdated methods with modern, climate-resilient farming practices,” he added.
Already, Somali entrepreneurs are stepping in and have begun investing in agriculture, including the importation of dairy cows from South Africa and the Netherlands while also experimenting with new crops.
Officials believe such private-sector initiatives, combined with the BBS programme, will position Somalia alongside its neighbours in food sufficiency.
