ADF Grants $9.63m to Boost Climate-Resilient Farming and Food Security in Somalia

This financing is part of the ADF’s Climate Action Window, which mobilizes resources to help African countries adapt to climate change and protect vulnerable populations.

The African Development Fund (ADF) — the concessional financing arm of the African Development Bank Group — has approved a $9.63 million grant to bolster climate resilience, food security and livelihood stability in Somalia. The decision was made on 2 December 2025, marking a major investment in long-term recovery for communities severely affected by climate shocks.

The support targets the Hirshabelle and Puntland regions, two areas heavily impacted by drought, water scarcity, and repeated climate-related emergencies.

This financing is part of the ADF’s Climate Action Window, which mobilizes resources to help African countries adapt to climate change and protect vulnerable populations.

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A Comprehensive Programme for Climate-Resilient Agriculture

The grant will fund the Activating Climate-Resilient Agricultural Livelihoods in Somalia project — an initiative designed to build stronger agricultural systems, improve water access, and increase community preparedness for extreme weather events.

Key interventions include:

1. Improved Water Access

• Rehabilitation of irrigation canals and water catchment systems

• Upgrading boreholes and rural water infrastructure

• Enhancing water storage capacity for crops and livestock

2. Climate-Smart Agriculture

• Introduction of drought-resistant and early-maturing seed varieties

• Training farmers on soil conservation, composting and agroforestry

• Expansion of drip irrigation and water-efficient farming techniques

3. Disaster Preparedness and Early Warning

• Restoration of rangelands to prevent soil degradation

• Access to real-time climate data and early warning systems

• Community-level training in flood and drought preparedness

4. Livelihood Support and Market Access

• Skills training in entrepreneurship and financial literacy

• Support for women and youth in agricultural value chains

• Improved post-harvest storage to reduce crop losses

• Better livestock nutrition through rehabilitated grazing areas

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Total Project Value: $11.83 Million with WFP Partnership

In addition to the ADF funding:

• The World Food Programme (WFP) is contributing $2.2 million in in-kind support, offering logistics, technical expertise, and food system resilience tools.

This partnership enhances the project’s reach and ensures support across agricultural production, community planning, and supply-chain strengthening.

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Reaching Over 480,000 People Across Somalia

The initiative will:

• Directly benefit 180,000 people, including farmers, pastoralists, women, and youth

• Indirectly support an additional 300,000 people through improved food systems, markets and natural resource management

The project aims to reverse the severe socio-economic impacts of drought by:

• Increasing crop yields and livestock productivity

• Expanding local market opportunities

• Reducing dependence on humanitarian aid

• Building community resilience to future climate shocks

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Leadership Perspectives: Beyond Relief to Long-Term Recovery

Pascal Sanginga, Agriculture Sector Manager for East Africa

“Somalia is facing a humanitarian emergency of unprecedented scale due to persistent drought. This project is about more than immediate relief; it is about equipping communities to rebuild their livelihoods and face the future with confidence.”

The project aligns with Somalia’s national priorities to strengthen food security, support inclusive development, and reduce conflict drivers linked to scarce natural resources.

Strengthened governance of community rangelands and water systems is also expected to contribute to peacebuilding and social stability, helping reduce tensions between agricultural and pastoral groups.

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Building a Climate-Resilient Future for Somalia

By investing in water systems, climate-smart agriculture, and local economic opportunities, the project represents a major step toward long-term resilience in one of the world’s most climate-vulnerable countries.

The initiative underscores the African Development Fund’s commitment to supporting Somalia in rebuilding sustainable livelihoods, stabilising rural communities, and strengthening regional food systems.