CIAD MANDATE

Faced with persistent challenges in Somalia’s agricultural sector, the Ministry of Agriculture and Irrigation (MoAI) recognized an urgent need for innovative solutions to tackle systemic issues such as low productivity, lack of skilled human capital, and the prevalence of informal business practices. The Ministry also identified the need for targeted programs to enhance the participation of youth and women in the agricultural value chain and to address the growing demand for climate-smart, sustainable farming solutions. In response, the Center for Innovation and Agropreneurship Development (CIAD) was established as a transformative platform to address
these challenges, develop tailored programs, and drive sector innovation. CIAD’s mandate stems from the strategic priorities of the ministry and closely aligns with the National Transformation Plan (NTP) 2025-2029, the National Agriculture Transformation Strategy and Action Plan, and the Ministry of Agriculture and Irrigation’s (MoAI) Strategic Priorities and Action Plan 2024-2025. Additionally, it supports the objectives outlined in the National Employment Strategy and the new National Capacity Building Strategy.