Synopsis
The FAO has launched a $95 million project in Somalia to improve climate resilience for vulnerable communities. The seven-year initiative, named Ugbaad, aims to enhance agricultural systems and restore landscapes affected by climate change.Key Takeaways
- $95 million investment in climate-resilient agriculture.
- Ugbaad project aims to benefit over 2.1 million people.
- Focus on restoring 41,800 hectares of land.
- Integration of climate action into national plans.
- 65% of Somalia's population relies on agriculture.
Mogadishu, Feb 11 (NationPress) The Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO) has officially initiated a seven-year program with Somalia designed to improve climate adaptation and resilience among vulnerable communities across the nation.
The $95 million "Climate Resilient Agriculture in Somalia" initiative, known as "Ugbaad" which translates to hope in Somali, aims to address challenges posed by climate change and bolster agrifood systems through extensive investment, as stated by the FAO on Monday.
During the launch event in Mogadishu, the capital city of Somalia, Deputy Prime Minister Salah Jama highlighted the government’s dedication to addressing climate change.
"With the Ugbaad project, we are embedding climate action into our National Transformation Plan, creating pathways to restore landscapes, ensure resilient livelihoods, and establish a sustainable future for everyone," Jama remarked.
The project, which received approval in October 2024, marks a crucial advancement in addressing the urgent issues caused by climate change, revitalizing productive landscapes, and empowering at-risk local communities, according to the FAO, as reported by Xinhua news agency.
This initiative is set to benefit over 2.1 million individuals, including 1.15 million direct beneficiaries, and is expected to revolutionize Somalia's agricultural sector through community-driven strategies and targeted investments in climate-resilient agriculture, as per the FAO.
"Moreover, 41,800 hectares of productive landscapes will be rehabilitated to foster sustainable livelihoods in the regions most susceptible to recurrent droughts and floods," stated the UN agency.
The FAO emphasized that in Somalia, the agricultural sector serves as the primary economic activity for an estimated 65 percent of the population, contributing approximately 75 percent to the gross domestic product.
Somalia ranks among the most climate-vulnerable nations globally. Increasingly severe weather events are impacting livelihoods and economic development. The drought from 2020 to 2023 and subsequent flooding have exacerbated the struggles of millions of Somalis who depend on seasonal rains for agriculture and livestock.
