Department Research and Extension

Department Of Research and extension

Background of The department

The Research and Extension Department, operating under the Ministry of Agriculture and Irrigation, drives innovation and scientific advancement in agriculture while facilitating the transfer of modern practices to farmers through comprehensive extension services. This department plays a crucial role in enhancing food security, improving crop resilience, and promoting sustainable, advanced farming techniques to address evolving agricultural challenges. The department is tasked with restoring and modernizing the national research centers to prominence, equipping them with state-of-the-art facilities, and reintegrating them into the national research framework to address current agricultural challenges and drive forward-looking, sustainable development. The department serves as a central hub for spearheading innovation and disseminating best practices to farmers and rural communities.

MRS: Amina abdulahi Osman

Director Of Research and Extension

[email protected]

Mandate

The Research and Extension Department in the Ministry of Agriculture and Irrigation plays a critical role in advancing agricultural productivity and sustainability. Its mandate focuses on conducting research to develop innovative farming practices, improve crop varieties, and address challenges like pests, diseases, and climate change. The department ensures that these research findings are translated into practical solutions that farmers can adopt.

• Creating training programs for farmers, disseminating agricultural information, conducting workshops, providing market and weather information, facilitating farmer feedback, and broadcasting agricultural information to a wider audience

• Implementing call centers, mobile apps, early warning systems, and promoting modern agricultural practices will provide real-time advice, facilitate interaction with experts, and enable proactive response to pest outbreaks.

• Coordinating with extension workers across federal states, implements a decentralized strategy for agricultural extension services, advocates for state-level technical development policies, collaborates with policymakers, establishes partnerships, and conducts capacity building.

• Conducting research on Dryland farming methods, study and promote soil conservation and fertility management practices, develop efficient irrigation systems and water conservation technologies.

• investigate climate change's impact on dryland agriculture, develops adaptive strategies, focuses on sustainable practices, and conducts field trials to showcase innovative technologies.

• Develop and implement breeding programs for major crops, conduct genetic studies, manage field trials, collect data, and advocate for supportive policies with policymakers and stakeholders.

Our Vision

To be a leading force for transforming Somalia’s agricultural sector in provision of scientific based research, and extension services

Our Mission

Connecting scientific research with practical field applications, ensuring farmers have access to the latest agricultural advancements. Through collaboration with local communities, universities, regional and international agricultural organizations. The department fosters a culture of innovation and knowledge sharing. This initiative empowers farmers and contributes to the economic stability and sustainability of Somalia’s agricultural sector.

Roles and Responsibilities of the Department

Department Director

The creation of departmental programs and work plans aligned with the Ministry’s objectives to enhance agricultural research and extension services.
Develop and implement the department’s strategic plan, ensuring long-term vision and alignment with national agricultural goals.
Oversee the department’s operations, providing strategic management, supervision, and overall administration to ensure efficient functioning and achievement of targets.
Review and enhance the department’s documentation processes and records management systems to ensure transparency, accountability, and accessibility.
Prepare and present quarterly and annual progress reports to the Ministry of Agriculture and Irrigation (MoAI), ensuring timely updates on the department’s achievements and challenges.

EXTENSION SECTION

- Develop and implement national extension policies, strategies, and work plans to ensure efficient delivery of agricultural advisory services.
- Conduct training programs, workshops, and field demonstrations to enhance farmers’ skills and knowledge in modern agricultural practices and climate-smart technologies.
- Develop and share agricultural information through printed materials, digital platforms, and media channels, ensuring accessibility to farmers across all regions.
- Promote the use of e-extension tools, including mobile applications, online platforms, and voice SMS, to provide real-time advice and support to farming communities.
- Facilitate effective communication channels, collect farmer feedback, and address their needs to ensure the practical application of research outputs.
- Provide timely market trends and weather updates to farmers, enabling informed decision-making and risk mitigation.
- Monitor the impact of extension services, assess the adoption of new practices, and adjust strategies to improve service delivery and farmer outcomes.
- Work closely with research institutions, NGOs, and private sector stakeholders to ensure the seamless transfer of innovations from research to the field.

TECHNICAL ADVISORY AND TRAINING CENTER SECTION

Register, coordinate, and support extension workers across all Federal Member States to ensure consistent and effective delivery service.
Develop and execute a decentralized approach for agricultural extension services to address local needs and enhance accessibility.
Advocate for and contribute to the development of policies that promote technical innovation and agricultural development at both state and national levels.
Collaborate with policymakers, national organizations, and international extension agencies to strengthen the Technical Advisory Centers and facilitate knowledge sharing.
Conduct training and capacity-building programs for extension workers and Village-Based Advisors (VBAs) to equip them with the latest knowledge, tools, and methodologies for agricultural advisory services.

RESEARCH SECTION

- Design and conduct experiments on dryland and irrigated farming systems, focusing on soil health, irrigation efficiency, pest and disease management, and sustainable agricultural practices to enhance crop productivity and environmental sustainability.
- Investigate the impacts of climate change on dryland agriculture and develop adaptive strategies and technologies to improve resilience and ensure food security in vulnerable regions.
- Establish and manage field trials and demonstration plots to test, refine, and showcase innovative agricultural techniques and technologies to farmers and stakeholders.
- Partner with the agricultural extension section to translate research findings into practical recommendations, educate farmers, and promote the adoption of best practices.
- Provide evidence-based inputs for developing policies and strategies aimed at increasing agricultural sustainability, productivity, and resilience in Somalia.

SEED SYSTEM AND MULTIPLICATION SECTION

Develop and implement breeding programs for major food and horticultural crops
· Conduct genetic studies to identify and incorporate beneficial traits into new crop varieties
Organize and manage multi-location field trials to assess the performance
Collect and analyze data related to crop performance, environmental interactions, and farmer preferences
Engage with policymakers and stakeholders to advocate for supportive policies

Department Of Research and extension

Background of The department

MRS: Amina abdulahi Osman

Mandate

Our Vision

Our Mission

Roles and Responsibilities of the Department

Structure department

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