Somalia has inked a financial deal with the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), receiving $31.22 million for the Rural Livelihood Resilience Programme (RLRP), which aims to boost food security and resilience in rural areas. This program, the first direct investment by IFAD in Somalia since the clearance of the country’s arrears, focuses on increasing agricultural productivity and improving water resources management.
IFAD President Alvaro Lario emphasized the initiative’s importance, stating, “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. The program aims to enhance agricultural practices, market access, and financial support across the value chains. It will also strengthen community resilience by improving infrastructure and providing training.
Somalia’s debt forgiveness with IFAD, facilitated by contributions from Belgium, Germany, Italy, and Sweden, has paved the way for this investment. Somalia’s Minister of Finance, Bihi Egeh, acknowledged the international support, saying, “The programme is of vital importance for Somalia and sets to transform rural livelihoods through climate resilient agriculture.”
“We thank our creditors and development partners for clearing Somalia’s arrears and providing financial assistance to support country’s resilience and growth,” he added.
The announcement comes as Somalia’s Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre appointed Abdihakin Yusuf Ali Ainte as the Director of the Food Security and Climate Department. Ainte is a writer and researcher who is the Co-founder of iRise Hub, a technology-focused co-working space in Mogadishu.
The completion of Somalia for the Heavily Indebted Poor Countries (HIPC) initiative in December 2024 allowed it to progress toward economic recovery, enhancing its ability to secure investments for development.
