Context
Recurring droughts, low agricultural yields and unstable institutions pose a threat to food security in southern Somalia. More than four million people, most of whom are internally displaced, lack regular access to food.
In Kismayo, a port city in southern Somalia, 43 per cent of the population is living in poverty and 40 per cent is facing food insecurity. In the south-western city of Baidoa, 70 per cent of households report food scarcity.
Smallholder farmers have only limited access to resources such as fertiliser, seed, water and advisory services. In addition, the impacts of climate change and conflict are making them more vulnerable.
Objective
Smallholder farmers, internally displaced people, host communities, returnees and institutions in southern Somalia are better able to ensure climate-resilient food security.
Approach
The project takes cross-sectoral action in Kismayo and Baidoa:
1. It promotes access to nutritious food by training smallholder farmers in the Jubaland region to cultivate climate-adapted, nutrient-rich crops.
2. It supports the diversification of livelihoods and income sources. To this end, it trains companies and provides start-up capital and initial inventory to allow businesses to be established.
3. It improves access to water and disaster preparedness measures. In this context, it trains the Jubaland Water Agency (JUWA) and makes financial investments in the water supply system.
The project is being implemented by the Jubaland and South West State ministries of planning and international cooperation, Jubaland Ministry of Agriculture, and JUWA. Technical support is provided by partners such as the consultancies Niras and Alight, and by the non-governmental organisations Global Initiative for Rural Development (GIRD) and the Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC).
Last update: September 2025