WFP and UNOPS Launch Climate-Smart Agriculture Project in Somalia

WFP and UNOPS Launch Climate-Smart Agriculture Project in Somalia

The World Food Programme (WFP) and UNOPS have partnered with the African Development Bank (AfDB) to launch a new climate-smart agriculture initiative in Somalia. The "Activating Climate-Smart Agricultural Livelihoods in Somalia" (ACALS) project, backed by a UA 9.45 million grant, aims to support 250,000 vulnerable individuals, especially women and youth, in the states of Puntland and Hirshabelle.

The project will focus on mitigating the impacts of climate change, improving water management, enhancing agricultural productivity, and building disaster resilience. The targeted districts, Garowe and Beletweyne, have been selected due to their vulnerability to climate-related events like floods, droughts, and land degradation.

An Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) report was conducted to evaluate potential risks from the construction of climate-resilient infrastructure such as irrigation systems and water boreholes. The ESIA report indicates moderate environmental and social risks, but these can be managed with appropriate mitigation measures.

The project aims to enhance community resilience, particularly by building water infrastructure and promoting climate-smart farming techniques. Importantly, the initiative will not require any involuntary resettlement, as it will be implemented on community-owned land.

Key Objectives:

1. Improve water management systems.
2. Enhance agricultural productivity with climate-resilient practices.
3. Improve market access for farmers.
4. Build disaster risk reduction strategies.

The AfDB's investment and the successful collaboration between WFP, UNOPS, and local stakeholders are seen as vital steps toward building sustainable livelihoods for communities impacted by climate change in Somalia.

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