Mogadishu - The Ministry of Agriculture and Irrigation, in partnership with The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations in Somalia (FAO) and the World Food Programme in Somalia held a joint event on 16 October to mark this year’s World Food Day in Mogadishu. The event was attended by participants from government, UN agencies, civil society, academia and the private sector.  The event put a spotlight on how food heroes are transforming Somalia’s agrifood systems in line with the 2024 World Food Day theme, "Right to Food for a Better Life and a Better Future - Leave No One Behind."

World Food Day is celebrated every year on 16 October in over 150 countries to gather support and share actions on SDG 2: end hunger, achieve food security and improved nutrition and promote sustainable agriculture.  Each year, the commemoration focuses on a different theme centered around food systems, agriculture, and investments to boost food production. It aims to raise global awareness about hunger and drive action to secure the future of food, people, and the planet.

Hon. Mohamed Abdi Hayir (Maareeye), Minister of Agriculture and Irrigation, stated, "On World Food Day, we reaffirm the Government of Somalia's unwavering commitment to ensuring that all Somalis have access to safe and nutritious food. We are working relentlessly to strengthen our agricultural systems, promote sustainable farming practices, and support our farmers and communities. Through national programmes and strategic partnerships, our goal is to increase local food production, build resilience against climate shocks, and secure a healthier, food-secure future for every Somali.

Somalia has experienced a series of recurrent and devastating shocks in recent years, including severe flooding and prolonged drought, which have destroyed livelihoods. This year’s event was marked amid forecast of an 80 percent probability of La Niña conditions, which has left the country faced with the looming threat of yet another drought, typically bringing below-average rainfall and soaring temperatures. UN agencies—FAO, OCHA, UNICEF, and WFP—have issued a stark warning following the latest IPC analysis.  Additionally, the latest Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) analysis reveals that 4.4 million people will experience crisis levels of hunger (IPC3+) between October and December this year.

“With the growing impacts of climate change and a rising global population, it’s more urgent now than ever to safeguard our planet to ensure sustainable food production. FAO is committed to supporting the government and people of Somalia in increasing agricultural production, building long-term resilience, and ensuring the right to food for a better future and life for all," stated Etienne Peterschmitt, FAO Somalia Country Representative.

The event showcased ongoing initiatives, high-level dialogues, and policy frameworks contributing to the achievement of SDG 2 in Somalia. These efforts include collaborative initiatives such as the Joint Resilience Programme (JRP) implemented by FAO, WFP and UNICEF which are vital in ensuring a more sustainable and inclusive future for all in Somalia as we mark World Food Day.  The JRP, funded by Germany, aims to improve learning, health, hygiene, and nutrition outcomes for children, especially girls from the most disadvantaged communities. Additionally, it seeks to enhance food security and strengthen the resilience of households and communities, enabling them to withstand economic and climate-related shocks and stressors.

"Somalia is continuously at the crossroads, where communities face climate shocks, risking both lives and livelihoods before beginning the long process of recovery. This year’s World Food Day theme, highlighting the right to food for a better future, calls for reflection on how well we are preparing and acting in advance for these challenges. That’s why WFP is increasingly focusing on interventions that put resilience and climate-smart food systems at the heart of our work, aiming for a more sustainable, self-reliant, and brighter future for Somalia,” said El-Khidir Daloum, WFP’s Representative and Country Director in Somalia.

For more information please contact: 

The Right to Food is a universal human right. This year, we are advocating for that and more. The foods that feed us need to take into account diversity, nutrition, affordability, accessibility as well as safety and sustainability. Over 2.8 billion people are still unable to afford a healthy diet. As we mark World Food Day on October 16, FAO is emphasizing that the right to foods which meet all of these pillars, is crucial for a better life and a better future for all.