About the Ministry of Agriculture and Irrigation
The Somali Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Irrigation (MoAI) is responsible for all agricultural and irrigation development programs in Somalia. The main purpose of the Ministry of Agriculture and Irrigation is to improve Somali citizens’ quality of life by providing food security and promoting sustainable development and managing agricultural resources in a sustainable manner. The Ministry seeks to establish a supportive framework for Somalis and other investors to grow the agricultural sector in a way that will improve rural households’ livelihoods, ensure a consistent supply of high-quality, inexpensive food, and protect the environment.
In recent years, the MOAI has been working to improve agricultural productivity and restore numerous primary and secondary irrigation canals. Agriculture is the primary source of income for more than half of Somalia’s population. It also provides the majority of the wage items required by non-agricultural sectors, as well as the majority of the raw materials for industry. Somalia’s economy is predominantly agrarian, accounting for roughly 65 percent of GDP and employing 65 percent of the workforce.
Welcome message from the Minister
It is my honor and pleasure to warmly welcome you to the official website of the Ministry of Agriculture and Irrigation of the Federal Republic of Somalia to benefit from the awareness and visibility of the ministry’s activities.
I would like to draw your attention to the recognition and prioritization of the importance of Somali farmers who are considered to be of great contribution to the economy of our country which is 60% of the country’s GDP, 80% of employment and 90% of exports.
Somalia has approximately 8.1 million hectares of fertile agricultural land suitable for both irrigated and rain-fed agricultural production. Agriculture is the backbone of Somalia’s economy.
Agriculture is the largest sector of Somalia’s economy and its performance is the main determinant of the overall GDP growth rate.
Farmers play an important role in ensuring food security, creating jobs, generating income, and earning foreign exchange.
In fact, about 70% of the country’s population lives in rural areas and earns its living from agriculture and related activities.
Agriculture is the backbone of tackling poverty and food shortages in Somalia.
The ministry has prepared many policies, laws and strategies to develop the agricultural sector with the aim of improving the quality of institutions, as well as implementing important projects to increase agricultural production, protect against floods, frequent droughts and build community resilience at the local level. .
The Ministry is committed to creating an enabling environment to disseminate the Ministry of Information’s policies, laws, strategies and projects to the local and foreign communities in order to achieve the Ministry’s mission and the implementation of national priorities.
Mr. Mohamed Abdi Hayir (Maareeye)
Minister of Agriculture and Irrigation
Federal Republic of Somalia
Services
The Ministry of Agriculture has been established with a precise mandate to expedite the following functions
Development, implementation and coordination of programs in the agricultural sector;
Formulation, implementation and monitoring of agricultural legislations, regulations and policies
Improving the productivity of both irrigated and rain-fed farming systems
Improving marketing of agricultural input and output and promoting value addition
Strengthening the administrative and technical capacity of the Ministry of Agriculture and Irrigation
Supporting agricultural research and extension services, and promoting technology delivery
Regulation and quality control of inputs, produce and products in the agricultural sector
Management and control of transboundary pests, diseases and invasive species
MINISTRY VISION
The Ministry intends to create an enabling environment for Somalis and other investors to develop the agricultural sector that will improve the livelihoods of rural households, ensure a reliable supply of quality and affordable food while sustaining the natural environment.
MINISTRY MISION
The ministry will develop and implement policies, laws and regulations through a participatory process involving agricultural stakeholders along the value chain.
