Somalia and IFAD launch $31.22 million rural resilience programme

Somalia and the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) have launched the $31.22 million Rural Livelihoods Resilience Programme (RLRP) in Mogadishu. The initiative aims to strengthen agricultural production, improve food security, and build resilience for over 125,000 rural households. The programme is expected to help mobilize more than $100 million in total investment for the country’s agricultural sector and rural economy.

This partnership follows Somalia’s resolution of outstanding arrears, which has seen IFAD financing for the country increase from approximately $10 million to over $100 million in recent years. Discussions between Somali officials and IFAD leadership focused on expanding cooperation in livestock development, water management, and market investment to create economic opportunities for pastoral communities.

Additionally, Somalia’s information systems, specifically the Food Security and Nutrition Analysis Unit (FSNAU) Early Warning–Early Action Dashboard and the Somalia Water and Land Information Management (SWALIM) programme, have been recognized by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) as models for resilience. These systems are being highlighted as replicable frameworks for turning data into timely, coordinated action to combat food insecurity across Africa.