A delegation led by the Islamic Organiыation for Food Security (IOFS), comprising representatives from COMSTECH, rectors of Lahore and Benadir University, concluded a high-level engagement focused on enhancing cooperation in agricultural development, food security, and value-chain modernization. As part of the visit, the delegation held an official meeting with the Ministry of Agriculture and Irrigation, where they were received by H.E. Asad Abdirisaq Mohamed, State Minister of Agriculture and Irrigation. The discussions centered on Somalia’s national food security priorities, institutional challenges, and emerging opportunities for collaboration.
The Ministry briefed the delegation on current government efforts to revive and expand the agriculture sector through climate-smart innovations, strengthened livelihoods, improved extension services, digital agriculture, and mechanization. A key highlight was the presentation of the government’s flagship initiative, “Farming for Prosperity in Somalia,” a five-year, 100 million USD program designed to support one hundred thousand households, enhance domestic food production, reduce post-harvest losses, generate employment, and increase agricultural exports.
During the meeting, the IOFS representative commended Somalia’s significant agricultural potential and emphasized the need for innovation in drought-resilient crop varieties, efficient irrigation systems, modern post-harvest management, digital tools, and stronger value chains. He reiterated the importance of reinforcing research, extension, and cooperative systems to ensure that farmers benefit directly from new technologies and knowledge. IOFS expressed its readiness to deepen institutional cooperation and support the formation of a joint technical task force to design a 2026–2027 cooperation roadmap.
The delegation also conveyed interest in collaborative initiatives related to women in agriculture, crop varietal improvement, livestock development, aquaculture expansion, and capacity-building programs for researchers and extension officers. These areas were identified as strategic domains that align with Somalia’s ongoing agricultural transformation and long-term food security objectives.
The mission concluded with visits to newly established research and extension facilities and a field trip to a banana processing plant and associated value-chain sites. These engagements provided valuable insights into production systems, operational constraints, and commercial prospects, contributing to a clearer vision for future IOFS–Somalia cooperation aimed at strengthening the country’s agri-food sector.
