1.1 Background

Despite ongoing improvements in agricultural productivity, nutrition outcomes in Somalia remain poor, largely due to weak integration between food production systems and nutrition-sensitive programming. Increased food availability has not consistently translated into improved dietary diversity or better nutritional status, particularly among vulnerable populations. These challenges are further compounded by climate variability and recurrent shocks, which disrupt food systems, limit access to safe and diverse foods, and heighten the risk of food insecurity and malnutrition.

The Ministry of Agriculture and Irrigation (MoAI) is increasingly prioritizing a food systems approach that links production, access, utilization, and consumption. However, gaps remain in effectively embedding nutrition and food safety considerations within agricultural interventions, limiting the overall impact of the sector on national nutrition outcomes.