Mogadishu Somalia – March 5 & 9, 2024 -  The Somalia Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Irrigation  in partnership with the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), , officially launched the Hand-in-Hand initiative in Mogadishu. The official multi-stakeholder inception workshop was held on 5 March 2024, followed by a subsequent handshake event on 9 March 2024. These events were jointly organized by the Federal Ministry of Agriculture & Irrigation, under the leadership of Honorable Minister Mohamed Abdi Hayir (Maareeye) and FAO Somalia office. 

FAO’s Hand-in-Hand initiative flagship program supports the implementation of an evidence‐based, country‐led, and country‐owned initiative to accelerate agricultural transformation and sustainable rural development in Somalia. The focus is to contribute to efforts to end poverty (SDG 1), end hunger and malnutrition (SDG 2), and reduce inequalities (SDG 10) through targeted, cost-efficient, and inclusive investments across the productive sectors. 

The HiH inception workshop was attended by several stakeholders, such as Ministers from the Federal Government of Somalia including the Honorable Minister Hassan Hussein, Ministry of Livestock, Forestry and Range; the Honorable Minister Mohamed Elmi, Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs; the Honorable Minister Ahmed Hassan, Ministry of Fisheries and Blue Economy. Additionally, development partners such as the European Commission and private sector actors such as Bushra Business Bank, SomBank, DT- Global’s IRiS team, among others, were actively engaged in the event. The participation of a diverse range of stakeholders reflects their keen interest in collaborating and partnering to achieve collective and inclusive social and economic growth of Somalia. 

During the follow up handshake event held on 9 March, the Minister of Agriculture and Irrigation, Honorable Minister Mohamed Abdi and FAO’s Deputy Director General Beth Bechdol shook hands as a gesture of renewed and strong collaboration to jointly advance evidence- based investments in the productive sectors across the country. The inception workshop and the handshake both mark an important step in strengthening partnerships among government institutions, the private sector, and development partners towards building resilient and sustainable agrifood systems in Somalia. 

Honorable Minister Mohamed Abdi expressed that, “My leadership will particularly focus on key priorities that enable the country to achieve the national development goals. To unlock Somalia’s agricultural potential, the Hand-in-Hand initiative offers the best opportunity to tap into under‐supported potential of agriculture and agrifood value chains to lift large numbers of rural poor out of poverty.” FAO’s DDG Beth Bechdol reaffirmed that, “Financing creates economic growth and employment. Increased financing can help smallholder farmers access modern technologies and quality seeds, ultimately improving crop yields and income levels. If we can increase the availability of food at more affordable prices, we can reverse trends of increasing poverty and ensure food security for all”. 

Within the Hand-in-Hand Initiative, the Ministry of Agriculture and Irrigation, in consultation with other government institutions, will identify territories with the greatest potential for unlocking market-oriented opportunities to transform Somalia’s agrifood systems. These will be presented as bankable investment notes to be pitched to a wide range of investors and development partners for joint co-funding. 

The success of HiH Initiative in Somalia envisions tactful delivery of coordinated, evidence- based, inclusive and impactful investments that particularly benefit the most poor and vulnerable across the country. FAO’s representative in Somalia, Mr. Etienne Peterschmitt emphasized that, “The Hand-in-Hand initiative advances stakeholders’ partnership approach towards changing agrifood systems and strengthening resilience to climate change in Somalia”.

For more information contact: 

Name: Masimba Nyamanhindi

Title: Communication Specialist

Office: FAO Somalia

Email: [email protected]

Phone: +252 770812119

Twitter: @faosomalia