Friday November 22, 2024
A man tending to his newly installed drip irrigation system on his farm. Photo: IOM 2024
Mogadishu (HOL) — Somalia faces an escalating crisis where climate change and conflict fuel a vicious cycle of environmental degradation and social upheaval. A recent report by the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) highlights regenerative agriculture as a key strategy to restore fragile ecosystems, mitigate conflicts, and build resilience.
Erratic rainfall, prolonged droughts, and rising temperatures have devastated agricultural productivity in Somalia, where most livelihoods depend on farming or herding. Resource scarcity has driven deforestation, overgrazing, and competition over limited grazing lands and water, often leading to inter-clan violence.
"Environmental degradation and resource conflicts are deeply interconnected," the report notes, emphasizing the urgency of sustainable interventions.
Unlike conventional farming, regenerative agriculture focuses on restoring soil health and biodiversity while promoting climate-resilient practices. Piloted by the International Organization for Migration (IOM) in Hirshabelle, regenerative techniques such as crop rotation, agroforestry, and composting have revitalized 12 farms, improving soil fertility and water retention.
Through these initiatives, over 300 farmers have been trained in sustainable farming and conflict mediation, fostering cooperation and reducing tensions over resources.
The SIPRI report identifies regenerative agriculture as a cornerstone of environmental peacebuilding, fostering trust and collaboration in communities. Climate Resilience and Peacebuilding Hubs, established as part of the initiative, serve as platforms for training, seed preservation, and dialogue.
Women are pivotal in these efforts, acting as "seed ambassadors" to share knowledge on climate resilience and indigenous farming techniques. "Their leadership is crucial to community cohesion and resilience," said an IOM spokesperson.
While promising, the approach faces significant hurdles, including Somalia's limited infrastructure, ongoing conflicts, and dependency on external aid. Additionally, pastoralist communities, which dominate Hirshabelle's economy, may find crop-focused interventions less relevant. However, complementary programs supporting pastoralists and women-led businesses are helping bridge this gap.
The SIPRI report calls for sustained investment in local institutions and knowledge-sharing networks to scale up regenerative practices.