Somalia Receives $31M from IFAD to Boost Food Security

GOOBJOOG NEWS | MOGADISHU: The International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) has announced a $31.22 million funding towards Somalia’s Rural Livelihood Resilience Programme (RLRP).

The program, which is the first direct investment by IFAD in Somalia since the clearance of the country’s arrears, aims to boost food security and resilience in rural areas, by focusing on increasing agricultural productivity and improving water resources management.

IFAD President Alvaro Lario emphasized the initiative’s importance, saying, “Upscaling our investment in Somalia is very important in this moment of increasing climate change to make sure that the poorest and the most vulnerable in rural areas are not left behind.”

The RLRP intends to assist 30,000 households over eight years, prioritizing women and youth.

Somalia’s Minister of Finance, Bihi Egeh said, “The programme is of vital importance for Somalia and sets to transform rural livelihoods through climate resilient agriculture.”

Adding, “We thank our creditors and development partners for clearing Somalia’s arrears and providing financial assistance to support country’s resilience and growth.”

On Tuesday, Federal Republic of Somalia Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre appointed Abdihakim Yusuf Ali Ainte as the Director of the Food Security and Climate Department.