Somalia launches OGPAD project to promote climate-resilient agriculture

Somalia, in collaboration with the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and the Green Climate Fund (GCF), has launched the Ugbad project to support climate-resilient agriculture, with funding of $79.7 million. The seven-year project aims to strengthen the resilience of farming communities to climate change and restore productive land, as increasing droughts and floods threaten the livelihoods of more than two-thirds of the agriculture-dependent population.

Project objectives and impact

🔹 Improving livelihoods: Supporting sustainable agriculture and increasing productivity.

🔹 Land restoration: Rehabilitate 40,000 hectares of agricultural land.

🔹 Strengthening infrastructure: Rehabilitate 15 km of irrigation canals and 70 km of rural roads.

🔹 Increased income: Increase the income of 15,000 people by 15% through climate-resilient value chains.

🔹 Improved access to water: Providing safe water sources for 900,000 people

🔹 Early Warning: Expanding climate information services for 950,000 people.

Implementation and Partnerships

The project is implemented in collaboration with local communities, government, and international partners to ensure integrated efforts in addressing climate challenges. It also includes supporting the capacities of ministries, research entities, and civil organizations to effectively respond to crises.

Statements from officials

🔹 Deputy Prime Minister Salah Jammah: "We are putting climate action at the center of our national plan, and Ugpad is a pivotal step towards land restoration and economic sustainability."

🔹 Henry Gonzalez, Investment Officer at the Green Climate Fund: "We aim to ensure that vulnerable communities have access to climate finance to strengthen their resilience."

🔹 Abebe Haile-Gabriel, FAO Representative for Africa: "We are combining technical expertise with local solutions to ensure the success of the project."

The project was officially launched in February 2025, and a workshop is scheduled to be held in April to define the work plan, in preparation for the start of actual implementation.

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