MOGADISHU — Somalia’s Ministry of Agriculture and Irrigation has signed an agreement with the United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) to expand and rehabilitate irrigation and agricultural infrastructure, as part of efforts to increase domestic food production and strengthen the resilience of farmland to flooding.
The agreement will support the development and improvement of irrigation systems, including canals and other water-management infrastructure needed to provide farmers with more reliable access to water. The initiative is also expected to help protect agricultural land from flood damage, particularly in areas vulnerable to seasonal flooding.
The Agriculture Ministry said the project is aimed at improving agricultural productivity and creating better conditions for Somali farmers to cultivate their land throughout the year. Strengthening irrigation infrastructure is considered important for reducing dependence on rainfall and increasing the country’s domestic production of food.
The partnership with UNOPS is also expected to contribute to the rehabilitation of agricultural areas affected by poor infrastructure, floods and other climate-related challenges. Improved water management could help farmers protect crops, reduce losses and make better use of existing farmland.
Somalia has significant agricultural potential, particularly along the country’s major rivers, but the sector has been affected by recurring droughts, floods, limited irrigation infrastructure and inadequate agricultural services.
The government has increasingly prioritized investment in irrigation and agricultural infrastructure as part of efforts to improve food security, reduce reliance on imported food and strengthen the livelihoods of farming communities.
The agreement with UNOPS is therefore expected to support Somalia’s broader efforts to modernize its agricultural sector and increase domestic food production while making farmland more resilient to climate-related shocks.
