Somali Government invests USD2 million to Revitalizing National Seed Sector
To empower farmers and improve food security in the country, the Federal Government of Somalia has allocated US$2 million to fund the Somali Seed Systems Recovery Initiative (SSSRI)., The Government is taking important steps to strengthen the national seed supply system and help farmers adapt to the impacts of climate change.
Led by the Ministry of Agriculture and Irrigation (MoAI), SSSRI is a two-year program funded through the Somalia Crisis Recovery Project (SCRP) financed by the World Bank. The initiative aims to develop sustainable seed production and distribution through coordinated efforts between MoAI, Seed Systems Group, private sector, Somali seed companies, and farmers nationwide.
State Minister for Agriculture Asad Abdirisak who officiated the meeting stated, ‘SSSRI demonstrates our priority to establish public-private seed sector partnerships that will boost rural livelihoods for years to come.’ Five leading seed companies have been selected to receive training and grants to expand production and marketing of drought-tolerant seed varieties.
MoAI scientists will carry out crop research activities with support from SCRP. The testing of new, high-yielding varieties of sorghum, cowpea and other staple food crops will provide valuable insights for shaping informed national seed policy. Additionally, SCRP will fund fellowships for MoAI crop specialists, enabling them advance their education in plant breeding and seed systems development.
‘This Seed Systems Recovery Initiative supported through the World Bank-financed Somalia Crisis Recovery Project targets a crucial priority area for building resilience across rural communities. Revitalizing local seed supply chains will bolster food production capacity for years to come. On behalf of the Ministry of Finance, I pledge our full support to ensure efficient implementation and accountability of funds. Projects like this which empower farmers are investments in Somalia’s long-term development. I call on all partners to unite behind achieving food security for our people’, Saleiman Sheik Umar, Director General of the Ministry of Finance, stated.
By project completion, over 100,000 farming households will have experimented with new varieties on their own land. It is anticipated that many of these farmers will then be convinced of the advantages of the new seed varieties to purchase larger quantities from seed companies. Successful and commercially-viable crop varieties will be incorporated into the national seed catalog and marketed more widely.
‘The launch of the Seed Systems Recovery Initiative as part of the Somalia Crisis Recovery Project (SCRP) promotes seed production, certification, and distribution, breathing new life into agriculture. It enables farmers to access quality seed of modern crop varieties enhancing resilience and strengthens governance of the seed sector. This empowers the Somali government to guide the recovery and maximize productivity, demonstrating leadership in rebuilding rural livelihoods’, Abdi Tawane, SCRP Project Co-Manager stated.
Through strong coordination and local ownership of SSSRI, the Federal Government is empowering Somali farmers and positioning the country’s agricultural sector for a sustainable, productive future.
WFP Somalia’s Deputy Country Director, Baimankay Sankoh, emphasized the importance of the Seed Systems Recovery Initiative project during the event, stating ‘This Seed Systems Recovery Initiative project will provide a platform for all stakeholders to come together, share expertise, and work towards a common goal: ensuring food security for all Somalis’
FAO Somalia’s Country Representative, Etienne Peterschimtt underscored the shared dedication and cooperative efforts demonstrated by all partners and government remarking ‘ I am privileged to witness the strong commitment and collaboration among stakeholders through the Somalia Seed Systems Recovery Initiative. Strengthening Somalia’s seed systems is a crucial step towards ensuring food security and improving rural livelihoods. Together, we are forging a path towards a resilient and prosperous agricultural sector in Somalia.
Source: Somali National News Agency