IFAD launches US$31M Somalia programme to strengthen livestock resilience

SOMALIA – The International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) has launched a US$31.22 million rural development programme in Somalia to increase livestock and crop production, improve food security, and strengthen the resilience of rural households facing drought and other climate shocks.

The Rural Livelihoods Resilience Programme (RLRP) will support smallholder farmers and agro-pastoral communities through investments in climate-resilient agriculture, livestock production, water infrastructure and rural enterprises. 

The programme is designed to improve productivity and incomes while helping communities cope with recurring drought and other shocks.

Livestock is a central component of the programme, with activities including extension services for crop and livestock production, training and equipment for community animal-health workers, climate-smart agriculture and targeted support for households engaged in livestock production.

This focus is significant for Somalia, where drought has caused livestock losses, crop failures, and damage to irrigation infrastructure. 

IFAD’s country strategy also identifies improved rangeland and livestock management as a priority for strengthening climate resilience.

Building livestock feed and production resilience

Improving animal productivity for the feed sector will depend not only on animal health services but also on access to reliable feed resources. 

Somalia’s recurring droughts place pressure on pasture and water availability, making rangeland management and climate-resilient livestock production increasingly important.

The RLRP includes community-based infrastructure development and support for agricultural and livestock value chains, creating opportunities to strengthen the production systems that supply livestock farmers with feed and other inputs. 

The programme’s official design includes support for smallholder livestock enterprises alongside improved access to infrastructure, markets and production inputs.

The programme targets 30,000 rural smallholder households across five districts in Jubaland and Southwest states over an eight-year implementation period. Its total programme cost is about US$31.2 million.

IFAD said the programme will focus on increasing productivity, incomes and nutrition security while building resilience among rural households. 

Somalia’s agriculture ministry will lead implementation, and the programme will also support capacity building and community institutions.

The investment comes as IFAD expands its engagement with Somalia following the country’s clearance of arrears to the organisation in 2023. 

The RLRP was IFAD’s first project in Somalia funded directly from its core resources after the arrears were cleared.

IFAD’s wider Somalia strategy focuses on sustainable agriculture, climate resilience, productive capacity, and food security, with livestock and rangeland management as part of efforts to strengthen rural livelihoods.

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