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Department Of Crop Production and Food Security

Background of The department

The Department of Crop Production and Food Security is a core technical department within the Ministry of Agriculture and Irrigation (MoAI) of Somalia, responsible for leading and coordinating sustainable crop production, food security, food system & pathways, climate change adaptation, resilience and value chain development nationwide. The Department provides strategic leadership and policy guidance to enhance the productivity, quality, and resilience of cereals, oil crops, and industrial crops, while promoting agro-processing, post-harvest management, and strategic food reserves to ensure safe, nutritious, and affordable food for all. It integrates climate-smart and anticipatory approaches to strengthen resilience to droughts, floods, pests, and other shocks, while supporting evidence-based decision-making through national assessments, early warning systems, and monitoring frameworks. The Department fosters research, innovation, and adoption of modern technologies to improve yields, quality, and market competitiveness, while coordinating with Federal Member States, development partners, UN agencies, research institutions, the private sector, and civil society to ensure integrated and multi-sectoral interventions. By building technical capacity, facilitating knowledge transfer, and promoting sustainable and market-oriented agricultural practices, the Department enhances agricultural productivity, strengthens food systems, and contributes to national food security, economic growth, and long-term environmental sustainability.

MR: Mohamed Muse Adam
Director Of Crop Production and Food Security

Mandate

The Department of Crop Production and Food Security is mandated to provide strategic leadership, technical oversight, and policy guidance across all aspects of crop production, food security, agro-processing, post-harvest management, industrial crop development, and climate-resilient agricultural systems. The Department ensures that national agricultural programs are evidence-based, integrated, and aligned with Somalia’s development priorities, while promoting sustainable, inclusive, and resilient food systems that safeguard livelihoods, enhance productivity, and strengthen economic growth.

Formulate, implement, and monitor national policies, strategies, and programs for sustainable crop production, food security, and value chain development.

Enhance the productivity, quality, and resilience of cereals, oil crops, industrial crops, and other strategic agricultural commodities.

Promote agro-processing, post-harvest management, and strategic food reserves to reduce losses and ensure safe, nutritious, and sufficient food supply.

Strengthen national and regional food systems through climate-smart, anticipatory, and risk-informed interventions.

Facilitate research, innovation, and technology adoption to improve productivity, market competitiveness, and value addition.

Coordinate with Federal Member States, local authorities, development partners, UN agencies, research institutions, and the private sector for integrated, multi-sectoral interventions.

Build technical capacity, provide knowledge transfer, and support extension services for farmers, cooperatives, and ministry staff.

Mobilize and manage financial and technical resources for crop production and food security programs efficiently and transparently.

Monitor, evaluate, and report on crop production, food security, post-harvest management, and program outcomes to support evidence-based decision-making.

Advocate for sustainable agriculture, resilient food systems, climate adaptation, and policies that strengthen livelihoods, food security, and economic development.

Our Vision

To achieve a resilient, productive, and sustainable agricultural sector where all Somali people have reliable access to safe, nutritious, and affordable food, supported by innovative crop production, industrial development, and adaptive food systems that respond effectively to climate and economic challenges.

Our Mission

To lead, coordinate, and promote sustainable crop production, food security, and value addition through evidence-based policies, innovative technologies, efficient post-harvest systems, and strategic partnerships, ensuring resilient food systems, improved livelihoods, and economic growth across Somalia.

Roles and Responsibilities of the Department

  • Provide strategic leadership for national cereal and oil crop production programs, ensuring alignment with national agricultural development plans and climate adaptation strategies.
  • Lead the development and implementation of technical guidelines, best practices, and production standards for cereals and oil crops.
  • Oversee research and innovation on improved seed varieties, crop rotation, soil fertility management, and climate-resilient farming techniques.
  • Plan and supervise crop production programs, including land preparation, sowing, irrigation, pest and disease management, and harvesting operations.
  • Monitor crop performance, yield trends, and production forecasts to inform decision-making and early warning systems.
  • Promote mechanization, modern farming methods, and post-harvest management techniques to reduce losses and improve quality.
  • Strengthen extension services and technical support to farmers, cooperatives, and regional agricultural offices.
  • Facilitate training, capacity building, and knowledge transfer on sustainable crop production, climate-smart agriculture, and efficient resource use.
  • Support market-oriented approaches, value chain development, and linkages between producers, processors, and private sector actors.
  • Coordinate with research institutions, universities, NGOs, and development partners to strengthen crop production technologies and practices.
  • Ensure proper planning, budgeting, and resource allocation for cereal and oil crop programs.
  • Prepare technical reports, production summaries, and recommendations for the Ministry, government stakeholders, and development partners.
  • Promote public awareness and advocacy for cereal and oil crop productivity, food quality, and sustainable agriculture practices.
  • Provide strategic guidance for the development of national agri-food system policies, frameworks, and pathways aligned with sustainable development goals, climate adaptation strategies, and national agricultural priorities.
  • Analyze, design, and promote integrated production-to-consumption pathways that strengthen the efficiency, resilience, and sustainability of food systems.
  • Lead research and innovation initiatives to optimize food supply chains, reduce post-harvest losses, and enhance productivity across crops, livestock, and fisheries.
  • Facilitate collaboration across sectors, including agriculture, industry, trade, nutrition, and environment, to create coordinated and resilient agri-food systems.
  • Promote sustainable practices in production, processing, storage, transportation, and consumption of food commodities.
  • Oversee monitoring and evaluation of national agri-food systems, including food security, nutrition, and market dynamics, to inform policy and planning.
  • Coordinate with public and private sector stakeholders, development partners, research institutions, and civil society to strengthen food system pathways.
  • Support capacity building and knowledge transfer on sustainable agri-food system approaches, climate-smart agriculture, and market-oriented solutions.
  • Mobilize resources, manage budgets, and ensure effective implementation of agri-food system programs and projects.
  • Lead policy advocacy, public awareness campaigns, and stakeholder engagement to promote sustainable, inclusive, and resilient food systems.
  • Monitor emerging trends, risks, and opportunities in agri-food systems and advise senior management on strategic interventions.
  • Encourage innovation, digital solutions, and technology adoption to optimize food system efficiency, traceability, and sustainability.
  • Lead the development and implementation of national policies, strategies, and programs for horticultural crops, including fruits, vegetables, spices, and other high-value crops.
  • Promote sustainable and climate-smart horticultural practices to enhance productivity, quality, and resilience to biotic and abiotic stresses.
  • Oversee research, development, and dissemination of improved horticultural varieties, cultivation techniques, pest and disease management, and post-harvest technologies.
  • Plan, coordinate, and supervise horticultural production programs at national and regional levels, ensuring alignment with national agricultural priorities and market demands.
  • Strengthen extension services and provide technical support to farmers, cooperatives, and regional agricultural offices to enhance adoption of modern horticultural practices.
  • Facilitate post-harvest handling, storage, processing, and marketing initiatives to reduce losses, improve quality, and increase market access for horticultural produce.
  • Monitor and evaluate horticultural production, market trends, and program performance, providing evidence-based recommendations for decision-making.
  • Coordinate with other departments, research institutions, development partners, and the private sector to implement integrated and multi-sectoral horticulture programs.
  • Build capacity through training, knowledge transfer, and awareness campaigns for farmers, ministry staff, and stakeholders on sustainable horticultural production and value addition.
  • Mobilize resources, manage budgets, and ensure efficient and accountable use of financial and technical resources for horticulture programs.
  • Advocate for policies, investments, and initiatives that support horticultural sector growth, sustainable food systems, and improved livelihoods.
  • Provide strategic leadership for the development of agro-processing and industrial crop policies, strategies, and programs aligned with national economic and agricultural objectives.
  • Promote value addition, post-harvest management, and processing technologies for cereals, oil crops, fruits, vegetables, and other industrial crops.
  • Support research and innovation on improved processing methods, storage, packaging, and quality standards to meet domestic and international market requirements.
  • Facilitate the establishment and expansion of agro-processing facilities, small and medium enterprises (SMEs), and industrial crop production systems.
  • Oversee quality control, certification, and compliance with food safety and industrial standards in processing and value chain operations.
  • Promote private sector engagement, public-private partnerships, and investment opportunities in agro-processing and industrial crops.
  • Coordinate with producers, cooperatives, processors, and regional authorities to strengthen supply chains and ensure consistent raw material availability.
  • Lead training, capacity building, and technical support for farmers, processors, and ministry staff on value addition, industrial crop management, and market-oriented production.
  • Develop and implement market development strategies, including domestic and export promotion of processed and industrial crop products.
  • Monitor, evaluate, and report on agro-processing programs, industrial crop performance, and sectoral growth to support decision-making.
  • Mobilize financial and technical resources, manage budgets, and ensure efficient utilization for agro-processing initiatives.
  • Advocate for policy and investment support to enhance industrial crop development, sustainable processing practices, and economic growth.
  • Promote innovation, climate-smart processing technologies, and environmentally sustainable practices in the agro-industrial sector.
  • Provide strategic leadership for national post-harvest management, storage, and food reserve policies and programs.
  • Develop and implement standards, guidelines, and protocols for safe handling, storage, and preservation of cereals, oil crops, and other food commodities.
  • Oversee the establishment, management, and maintenance of national and regional food reserves, ensuring readiness for emergencies and seasonal shortages.
  • Promote adoption of modern storage technologies, warehouse management systems, and quality control measures to reduce losses and maintain food safety.
  • Monitor post-harvest losses, inventory levels, and the quality and stability of food stocks to inform planning and decision-making.
  • Coordinate with farmers, cooperatives, processors, and private sector actors to ensure efficient supply chains and storage practices.
  • Facilitate training and capacity building for ministry staff, warehouse operators, and regional authorities on post-harvest management and food reserve systems.
  • Support research and innovation in post-harvest technologies, preservation techniques, and risk reduction practices.
  • Mobilize resources and manage budgets for post-harvest programs and food reserve management.
  • Prepare technical reports, monitoring updates, and recommendations for senior management, government stakeholders, and development partners.
  • Promote public awareness and advocacy on post-harvest management, food safety, and the importance of strategic reserves.
  • Coordinate with national and international partners, including UN agencies, NGOs, and private sector stakeholders, to strengthen post-harvest systems and reserve capacity.

Structure department