Somalia secures USD 100M Green Climate Fund boost for climate-resilient agriculture

SOMALIA – In a milestone decision, Somalia has secured a USD 100 million investment from the Green Climate Fund (GCF) to promote climate-resilient agriculture.

This approval, which took place at the GCF’s 40th Board Meeting, marks one of the most rapid single-country projects in the fund’s history, underscoring the urgency of addressing climate challenges in Somalia.

The project’s swift approval speaks volumes about the international community’s commitment to supporting vulnerable nations. Agriculture is crucial to Somalia’s economy and social stability, and climate change has posed significant risks to its long-term sustainability.

By investing in climate-resilient techniques, the GCF aims to help Somalia adapt to shifting climate patterns that have increasingly led to droughts, floods, and unpredictable harvests.

“This approval marks a pivotal moment for climate resilience in Somalia, showing that when there’s a will, the international community can act swiftly to support those most in need,” said Khadija Mohamed Al-Makhzoumi, a key figure in climate finance who attended the board meeting.

Somalia has traditionally relied on livestock, but this reliance is changing as farmers face increasingly severe droughts, including the devastating 2023 drought—the worst in 40 years.

Extended drought periods have made farming a more practical choice for local communities. Agriculture, especially in northern regions like Puntland, is gaining ground as herding becomes riskier.

In Puntland, Fartun Abdi Warsame, a farmer and leader of a women’s cooperative, has transformed arid land into a productive farm growing lentils, peppers, and tomatoes with help from the EU-funded Kobciye project.

“People used to think nothing could grow here, but we’re proving them wrong,” Warsame shared. The project has provided resources like tractors and solar-powered water pumps to help farmers grow crops in challenging conditions, offering a steady food supply and income stream for many Somali families.

Local efforts strengthen farming communities

Local and international collaboration has been essential to Somalia’s agricultural development. The European Union’s Kobciye project, for instance, works closely with Somali farmers to build resilience in hard-hit areas.

By supplying 3,000 farmers with essential tools, training, and materials, Kobciye has been instrumental in helping them shift to crop farming.

“Farming is giving people a real chance to thrive,” said Mohammed Sheikh Yusuf, Senior Adviser at the Ministry of Agriculture and Irrigation, reflecting on the impact these projects have had on local communities.

El-Khidir Daloum, Country Director for the World Food Programme, emphasized that “We’re empowering communities to believe in their land’s potential.”

With ongoing training and resources, farmers are adopting techniques that reduce dependence on rainfall and encourage sustainable practices.

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