President Mohamud highlights drought effects on Somalia at the UN conference

GOOBJOOG NEWS | ROME: Federal Government of Somalia president Hassan Sheikh Mohamud has said that the drought experienced in the country had devastating effects on the people of Somalia.

While address in a United Nation’s conference on combating food shortage in Rome, Italy, the president also presented to the potential the Somali Agriculture sector holds if tapped to provide adequate food not only for the country, but the entire continent.

“The recent drought in Somalia has cost thousands of lives. We face some of the most difficult living conditions in the world which serves as a lesson for us to move beyond dependence on aid towards sustainable development.

He noted that a year ago, almost half of Somalia’s population was at a risk of famine but due to the Federal Government’s efforts to work with the rural population in Agriculture, livestock and maritime sectors, the risk has been reduced.

President Hassan Sheikh attributed the decline in Somali agricultural production to climate change, poor infrastructure and investment, inadequate crop training, and terrorist control of fertile land. He emphasized the need for sustainable development to address these challenges.

“Somalia’s situation serves as a stark reminder of the devastating impact of climate change on vulnerable populations. The country has been ravaged by droughts, leading to food shortages and famine. While the government has made efforts to address these issues, progress has been slow due to limited resources and investment,” he noted

“It is crucial for the international community to support Somalia in its fight against food shortages and famine. This includes investing in the country’s agricultural sector, which holds great potential for providing reliable food sources for the region and continent<” president Mohamud concluded.