Government, FAO, and SDC Inaugurate Fodder Development Hubs in Goray Village, Gabiley District.
Gabiley, Somaliland The Somaliland Ministry of Livestock and Rural Development (MOLRD), in partnership with the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and with financial support and collaboration from the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC), officially handed over newly constructed fodder storage infrastructure/hubs and inaugurated Fodder Development Hubs in Goray Village, Gabiley District.
The fodder development hubs actively promote private sector engagement by creating opportunities for input suppliers and service providers to contribute to sustainable livestock farming. A strong emphasis on community empowerment strengthens local cooperatives and producer groups, enhancing their bargaining power in the market. Additionally, the hubs operate as multi-service centers, offering vital veterinary care, training programs, and innovative solutions in fodder production to boost productivity and resilience among pastoral and agro-pastoral communities.
Speaking at the event after receiving the fodder development hub on behalf of Goray village, Honourable Omer Shacayb Mohamed, Minister of Livestock and Rural Development, stated, "These hubs mark a major step toward modernizing Somaliland’s livestock sector. By improving fodder availability and linking farmers to markets, we are securing livelihoods and boosting resilience. I would like to thank our partners, Switzerland and FAO, for this investment."
Under the SIRA II Project, a total of 35 fodder storage infrastructures have been constructed across Gabiley, Baki, and Borama districts. Twenty-Five (25) facilities have been handed over to the MOLRD and local communities, with the ministry acting as custodian to ensure equitable access, while fodder producer cooperatives manage daily operations.
FAO Head of Programmes, Ezana Kassa, emphasized that FAO will continue to collaborate and partner with the government of Somaliland in sustainably developing the fodder value chain; "This initiative aligns with FAO commitment to better production, better nutrition, better environment and better lives, leaving no one behind. The fodder value addition investment will empower communities to improve their livestock production, trade and promote climate-smart practices for a more resilience pastoral food systems."
This initiative marks a critical milestone in Somaliland’s efforts to modernize livestock production and support pastoral livelihoods. By fostering collaboration between farmers, government, and private sector stakeholders, the fodder development hubs will drive economic growth, food security, and climate resilience.
Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) representative, Abdikarim Aden Daud, stated “Animal forage and feed are central to the resilience of pastoral livelihoods. This initiative goes beyond improving access to fodder—it is about enabling communities to strengthen their livelihoods, increase incomes, and withstand the growing pressures of climate change”
Media Contacts
FAO:
Masimba Nyamanhindi
M: +252-770-812-119 | e: [email protected] |
SDC
Aden Abdikarim Daud
M: +254-725-639-172 | e: [email protected] |
Note to Editors:
SIRA Phase II is a three-year development initiative aimed at strengthening livestock production and rural livelihoods in Somaliland. Building on the achievements of SIRA I, this phase focuses on enhancing the fodder value chain across Baki, Borama, and Gabiley districts through improved fodder production and incomes, market linkages and iimproved enabling environment at government level for resilience-building.
The project leverages technical support from FAO’s FSNAU and SWALIM to provide robust, evidence-based analysis for early warning systems (crisis modifier) and long-term planning. SWALIM’s climate and groundwater monitoring network delivers critical data that informs water resource management, supports early action, and strengthens resilience against climate shocks and humanitarian emergencies.