EU-Funded Kobciye project boosts farming resilience in Somalia’s harshest regions

SOMALIA – The EU-funded Kobciye project is helping Somali farmers adapt to climate change by providing essential tools and support to transform traditional pastoralist communities into thriving agricultural hubs.

For 15 years, Fartun Abdi Warsame, using the resources provided by Kobciye, has grown lentils, peppers, onions, and tomatoes on her farm in Puntland. Despite the harsh climate, she remains hopeful.

“People used to think nothing could grow here, but we’re proving them wrong,” says Warsame, who leads a local women’s cooperative.

Somalia’s long-standing reliance on herding camels, goats, and sheep is shifting as the effects of climate change become more pronounced. Extended droughts, like the one in 2023—the worst in four decades—have made farming a more reliable alternative for sustaining communities. In regions like Puntland, traditionally known for herding, farming is becoming more viable.

“Somalia’s agriculture was once limited to the southern riverside regions, but now even in the drier northern areas, we’re seeing progress,” explains Mohammed Sheikh Yusuf, Senior Adviser at the Ministry of Agriculture and Irrigation. “Farming is giving people a real chance to thrive.”

Kobciye: Empowering farmers with Resources

The Kobciye project, funded by the European Union and supported by the World Food Programme (WFP), has been pivotal in enabling farmers to overcome climate challenges.

The initiative provides tractors, solar-powered water pumps, and fencing materials to 3,000 farmers in Puntland, Jubaland, and Galmudug.

It also offers training in sustainable farming techniques. “We’re empowering communities to believe in their land’s potential,” says WFP’s Country Director, El-Khidir Daloum.

Warsame, one of the beneficiaries, uses these tools to grow a wide range of crops, including guava, spinach, chilies, and watermelon, which she supplies to local markets and businesses.

Her farm is an example of what can be achieved with the right support. “Our crops are proof that the land is fertile,” she says proudly.

The Kobciye project is not only providing farmers with resources but also changing perspectives on farming in Somalia. “When people see that they can grow their own food and make a living from farming, they’re more willing to switch from herding,” explains Yusuf.

One ongoing challenge is access to water. In regions like Galmudug, water sources are scarce. However, Kobciye has introduced drip irrigation systems and dug boreholes, helping farmers access fresh water for the first time in decades.

“This is a breakthrough for local farmers,” says Ibrahim Abdulkadir, a water official in the region.

As the Kobciye project wraps up, it leaves behind a foundation of resilience. Farmers like Warsame remain optimistic, despite the many difficulties they’ve faced.

“With the right tools and training, there’s always a solution,” she says, echoing the hopeful spirit shared by many farmers in Somalia.

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