The programme will benefit more than 1.65 million people in Somalia.

Mogadishu, Somalia | October 30, 2024: Partners gathered in Mogadishu today for the Jowhar Offstream Storage Programme (JOSP) Forum, marking the shift from inception to fully-fledged implementation with the coming online of two additional projects funded by the United Kingdom and the Somalia Joint Fund (SJF). Following the June launch in Jowhar, the forum convened a broader group of stakeholders to discuss the implementation of two projects under the JOSP initiative: RESTORE, funded by the FCDO, and Maareynta-Governance for Adaptation to Climate Change, funded by the SJF. Both projects are scheduled to roll-out in November 2024.

The stakeholder forum brought together senior government officials, UN representatives, and international development partners, marking a significant step forward in Somalia’s efforts to enhance water resource management and strengthen climate resilience.

Mr. George Conway, Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary-General, Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator, United Nations Assistance Mission in Somalia (UNSOM), noted, “The multiple government entities, donors, UN agencies, and civil society organizations involved speaks to the collective commitment and innovation that permeates JOSP. It is a true example of nexus programming in practice and a flagship undertaking by the UN in Somalia.”

Noting the critical role that JOSP would play in Somalia’s agricultural transformation, Hon. Mohamed Abdi Maareeye, Minister of Agriculture and Irrigation of the Federal Government of Somalia, said “The benefits of this project will extend far beyond individual farmers. By strengthening the agricultural sector, we lay the foundation for economic growth and national stability. This programme is a testament to what can be accomplished when national and international partners come together with a shared vision for progress and development.”

Development partners were strongly represented at the event, including JOSP’s key backers, the United Kingdom, the United States of America, the Peacebuilding Fund, and the SJF— a multi-donor fund actively supported by Canada, European Union, Netherlands, Norway, Sweden, and Switzerland.

In reaffirming the United Kingdom’s strong commitment to supporting Somalia's efforts to build climate resilience, His Excellency Mike Nithavrianakis, British Ambassador to Somalia, noted, “The United Kingdom remains deeply committed to supporting Somalia’s efforts in building climate resilience and securing a sustainable future for its people. The Jowhar Offstream Storage Programme is a vital initiative that will not only mitigate the impacts of drought and flooding, enhance food security, and create lasting economic opportunities for communities. Through initiatives like JOSP, we continue to stand alongside Somalia in overcoming these challenges and building a prosperous future together.”

In his remarks, the Honorable Richard H. Riley, U.S. Ambassador to Somalia, commended Somalia’s leadership for spearheading such an ambitious initiative and affirmed the U.S. Government’s strong support of the programme through the TRANSFORM project. “This investment signifies the U.S. Government’s strong commitment to the people of Somalia and marks a significant step towards achieving food security and flood protection for marginalized communities in Middle and Lower Shabelle. This investment in infrastructure has the potential to secure a more prosperous and peaceful future for southern Somalia. With the appropriate access to water, as well as the ability to better control flooding, the Middle and Lower Shabelle regions could increase food security and will help protect more than 1.5 million people – across five districts – from the negative impact of climate-related shocks.”

Emphasizing the importance of effective water management for Somalia’s long-term development, Hon. Abdullahi Bidhaan, Minister of Energy and Water Resources, observed, “As we move forward, I am eager to engage in discussions that will deepen our understanding and refine our approach to water governance within the JOSP framework. This programme is more than an infrastructure initiative; it represents a strategic endeavor that will shape the future of water management in Somalia.”

In closing, H. E. Abdisalan Abdi Ali, Deputy Prime Minister of the Federal Government of Somalia, expressed his sincere gratitude for the international community’s support and reiterated Somalia’s strong commitment to the successful implementation of JOSP. “Rehabilitating the irrigation infrastructure as planned under JOSP is the lasting solution that is needed for the communities along the Shabelle River to build resilience to the recurrent droughts and floods, as well as boost agricultural production and livelihood resilience for a better future,” he noted.

The JOSP initiative is anticipated to significantly lower the risks of droughts and floods, ensure consistent access to water, enhance agricultural production and productivity, and generate income and job opportunities. This will further support the economic development of this vital agricultural region, ultimately benefiting future generations in Somalia through improved water access and increased agricultural output. 

BACKGROUND TO EDITORS – ABOUT JOSP 

JOSP is a multi-partner, five-year programme to mitigate the impacts of drought and floods while enhancing agricultural production to ensure sustained food security and climate resilience along the Shabelle River in Somalia. It is expected to enhance irrigation access for over 300,000 people across five districts, reduce flood risk for 1.5 million people, and mitigate drought impact for 1.65 million people. The subsequent increase in local food production is projected to lead to savings of up to USD 36 million per year in humanitarian assistance costs as the food security situation improves by the end of the programme.

With financial support from the  British Embassy in Mogadishu, the UN Peacebuilding Fund (UNPBF), USAID, and the Somalia Joint Fund (SJF), this investment is a collaborative effort involving the Government of Somalia (under the joint leadership of the Ministry of Agriculture and Irrigation (MoAI) and the Ministry of Energy, Water Resources (MoEWR)), the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), in partnership with the International Organization for Migration (IOM), the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat), the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), and the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP).

The JOSP programme consists of four core projects: RESTORE (funded by the United Kingdom), TRANSFORM (funded by USAID), YOUTHAct (funded by the Peacebuilding Fund), and Maareynta-Governance for Adaptation to Climate Change (funded by the Somalia Joint Fund). Essential to JOSP is the rehabilitation of critical infrastructure, the outlet and supply canals, the Sabuun barrage, the Hawadley reservoir, and associated irrigation systems while building institutional capacity for water resources management to ensure effective governance and community support. Implementation across all four projects will promote inclusive resource management using ecosystem-based approaches and support climate-smart agriculture and value chain development. Additionally, JOSP will address social cohesion and inclusion of marginalised groups, such as minorities and displaced persons, through durable solutions and peacebuilding. 

MORE INFORMATION:

• Forging Partnerships for a Sustainable Future: FAO, Government and UN partners launch the Jowhar Offstream Storage Programme (JOSP).
• FAO and British Embassy Mogadishu launch £35 million RESTORE Project
• FAO, USAID Officially Sign the TRANSFORM Project

PRESS CONTACTS:

FAO in Somalia:

Abdinasir Jama - National Communications Specialist

m: +252-614-346-059 | e: [email protected] | X: @faosomalia

IOM Somalia:

Raber Aziz - Media and Communications Officer

e: [email protected] | X: @IOM_Somalia

UNEP Somalia:

Abubaker Afrah

e: [email protected] | X: @UNEP @UNEPAfrica

UNIDO Somalia:

Stefania Bait - Communication Focal Point

e: [email protected] | X: @UNIDOSomalia

UN-Habitat Somalia:

Mary Muriithi - Communications Officer

e: [email protected] | x: @UNHabitat_Som