Mogadishu, Somalia – September 7, 2025: The Ministry of Agriculture and Irrigation (MoAI), Federal
Republic of Somalia, today launched the Beero oo Barwaaqee Soomaaliya (BBS) Integrated Model Farms
Programme. The event showcased the Ministry’s commitment to transforming and modernizing Somali
agriculture sector, building climate resilience, and improving livelihoods for farmers, rural communities,
pastoralists, and agro-pastoral populations across the country.
Beero oo Barwaaqee Soomaaliya (BBS) is a transformative agricultural initiative aimed at fundamentally
reshaping how Somali communities engage in farming. It seeks to modernize agricultural practices,
enhance productivity, and catalyze a shift from traditional methods to climate-smart, integrated farming
systems by promoting innovation, resilience, and sustainability. BBS empowers farmers to embrace a new
era of resilient farming and drought-tolerant mechanisms.
Official Statement by Minister Maareeye
The Minister delivered the official statement during the event, stating the following:
“A new era for Somalia’s agriculture has begun with the official launch of the Beero oo Barwaaqee Somalia
(BBS) programme. I am proud to introduce this landmark initiative—a flagship national program that
promotes an integrated modern farming system with sustainable rainwater harvesting to thrive yearround production, renewable energy from solar, dairy production, high-value and drought-tolerant crops,
fodder cultivation, and climate-smart technologies. Following rigorous design and technical feasibility
studies, the Ministry has successfully established nine demonstrative farms, competitively selected from
fourteen candidates across four regions (Afgoye, Balcad, Kismayo and Baidoa). Our goal is to develop and
replicate over 100 model farms nationwide by 2029. These model integrated farming will act as training
and demonstration centers. However, we cannot achieve this alone. We call upon the Somali private
sector, Diaspora community, and development partners to pledge financial and technical support to scale
up and sustain these transformative farms.
The launch event brought together high-level stakeholders committed to transforming Somalia’s
agricultural landscape. Participants included the Deputy Ambassador of Qatar, representatives from
development partners, including FAO, WFP, CARE International, SomRep/World Vision, Qatar Charity,
Coopi, IOM, BRiCs consortium (NRC, IRC, Save the Children). The financial institutions were also well
represented, including the Somali Bankers Association, as well as representatives from the private sector
and farmers.
Participants expressed heartfelt appreciation to H.E. Mohamed Abdi Hayir Maareeye, Minister of
Agriculture and Irrigation, and the dedicated staff of the Ministry, for their tireless efforts and unwavering
commitment to transforming the lives of Somali communities.