Somali Observatory for Humanitarian Affairs The Voice of Reality.. The Eye of Humanitarian Truth in Somalia
Related Articles
KISMAYO — The Jubaland State Government and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening their strategic partnership to advance the livestock sector during a meeting between Jubaland’s Minister of Livestock, Mohamed Noor Ali, and an FAO delegation led by Somalia Livestock Programme Officer Dr. Kannaw Sheikh Abdi. The talks focused on joint priorities and development initiatives aimed at supporting one of the state’s most important productive sectors.
Discussions centered on improving veterinary services, strengthening animal health systems, developing livestock value chains, supporting pastoralists and livestock producers, enhancing institutional and technical capacity, and expanding animal disease surveillance and early response systems to improve productivity and the quality of services delivered to pastoral communities.
The two sides also reviewed the major challenges facing the livestock sector, particularly the impacts of climate change, recurring droughts, rangeland degradation, and declining water resources. They stressed the importance of adopting sustainable development solutions that enhance the resilience of pastoral communities, safeguard sustainable livestock production, and reduce economic losses caused by animal diseases and harsh environmental conditions.
The Jubaland Minister of Livestock emphasized that cooperation with FAO remains a key pillar in the state’s efforts to develop one of its most important productive sectors, noting that investment in livestock contributes to strengthening food security, improving household incomes, creating employment opportunities, and driving economic growth. For its part, FAO reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the ministry through programs aimed at improving veterinary services, enhancing livestock production, and strengthening institutional and technical capacities to promote sustainable rural development.
The livestock sector is one of the foundations of Somalia’s economy, providing livelihoods, food security, and employment for millions of people while remaining a major contributor to the country’s exports. As climate change, animal diseases, and environmental degradation continue to place increasing pressure on rural communities, partnerships between government institutions and international organizations are becoming ever more important in supporting rural development, strengthening food security, and building a more resilient and sustainable livestock sector.
