SOMALIA – The Green Climate Fund (GCF) has allocated US$100 million to support climate-resilient agriculture in Somalia.
This initiative, approved at the 40th GCF Board Meeting in Songdo, South Korea, represents one of the Fund’s most rapidly sanctioned projects for a single country.
Spearheaded by Khadija Mohamed Al-Makhzoumi, an influential advocate in climate finance, the project aims to equip Somalia with sustainable farming practices, address food security, and mitigate climate impacts on agriculture, which remains a key sector for both economic stability and rural livelihoods.
Somalia’s agricultural sector, a critical component of the country’s economic fabric, faces severe climate risks, including prolonged droughts, erratic rainfall, and increasingly extreme weather patterns.
With limited resources to adapt to these changes, Somalia has struggled with recurrent food insecurity that exacerbates regional vulnerabilities and social instability.
“The GCF’s swift approval represents a turning point for climate resilience in Somalia,” said Al-Makhzoumi, emphasizing the necessity of international cooperation to address climate change in nations most vulnerable to its effects.
“This approval marks a pivotal moment for Somalia, showing that when there’s a will, the global community can act decisively to support those most in need.”
The US$100 million project focuses on adopting resilient agricultural practices to improve crop productivity and enhance water conservation strategies.
By integrating climate-smart technologies, such as efficient water management systems and drought-resistant crops, the initiative aims to bolster Somalia’s adaptive capacity, reduce reliance on unpredictable rainfall, and safeguard food security for millions dependent on agriculture.
Early in the year, the country reported that a new hybrid maize variety, introduced in the country in 2023, had already registered a staggering 30 to 50% increase in yield potential as compared to local varieties.
Dubbed Siman, the high-yielding variety has been a significant breakthrough for Somalia’s agriculture.
The variety, Siman, was officially registered in October 2023, heralding a new era for variety release in the country and it is a testament to the power of collaboration and innovation in agriculture.
The milestone is the result of the hard work of Filsan Seed Company, in partnership with the International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center (CIMMYT), which aims to boost maize production in Somalia.
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