MOGADISHU — Saudi Arabia has signed a joint programme aimed at supporting Somali farmers and boosting agricultural production, according to information released about the initiative.
The programme will focus on rehabilitating abandoned farmland, improving irrigation infrastructure and providing farmers with equipment and training in modern agricultural techniques.
Under the agreement, major and smaller irrigation canals will be repaired to improve water access for agricultural communities. Solar-powered water pumps will also be provided to support irrigation in farming areas.
Farmers are expected to receive agricultural tools and equipment, as well as training on modern farming methods aimed at improving productivity.
The programme will also provide tractors to three agricultural cooperatives to support land preparation and other farming activities.
The initiative comes as Somalia seeks to strengthen its agricultural sector and improve food security. Agriculture provides livelihoods for a large part of the country’s rural population but continues to face challenges including inadequate irrigation infrastructure, limited access to machinery and climate-related shocks.
Saudi Arabia’s support is expected to contribute to the rehabilitation of agricultural land and improve farmers’ access to water, machinery and technical knowledge.
Details on the programme’s total financial value, implementation timeline and the specific regions that will benefit were not immediately available.
