Deadline: 15-Feb-2026
The World Food Programme, with funding from the African Development Bank, is implementing a multi-year climate resilience and food security project in Puntland State, Somalia. Running from March 2026 to March 2029, the initiative strengthens agricultural livelihoods, water management, market access, and disaster preparedness for climate-vulnerable farming and pastoral communities, with a strong focus on women and youth.
Activating Climate Resilience Agricultural Livelihoods in Somalia – Project Overview
The Activating Climate Resilience Agricultural Livelihoods in Somalia project is a resilience-building initiative led by the World Food Programme (WFP) in Garowe District, Puntland State. The project targets communities facing recurring climate shocks such as droughts, floods, and resource scarcity.
The initiative integrates agriculture, livelihoods, and disaster risk management into a single resilience framework to address the structural drivers of food insecurity and vulnerability.
Implementing Agency, Donor, and Timeline
The project is implemented by the World Food Programme with financial support from the African Development Bank. Implementation runs from March 2026 to March 2029, covering multiple agricultural seasons to ensure sustainable impact.
Core Objectives of the Project
The project aims to improve resilience, food security, nutrition, and household incomes in climate hazard-prone areas. Key objectives include:
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Strengthening sustainable land and water management systems
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Enhancing agricultural productivity using climate-smart approaches
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Improving access to markets and income-generating opportunities
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Reinforcing disaster preparedness and climate risk management
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Promoting economic participation of women and youth
Sustainable Land and Water Management
Water scarcity and land degradation are major constraints in Puntland. The project addresses these challenges through:
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Rehabilitation of existing irrigation infrastructure
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Development of small-scale irrigation schemes
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Strengthening community-based water governance
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Improved access to water for crop production and livestock
These measures support sustainable food production and reduce competition over limited natural resources.
Climate-Smart Agriculture and Livelihood Diversification
To increase productivity and resilience, the project promotes climate-smart agricultural systems, including:
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Climate-resilient crop varieties
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Climate-smart farming technologies
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Improved livestock rearing and animal health practices
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Training in business and farm management
Farmers and pastoralists, particularly women and youth, are supported to diversify livelihoods and reduce climate-related income risks.
Market Access and Income Generation
Improved market access is central to sustainable livelihoods. The project supports:
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Strengthening agricultural value chains
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Enhancing producer access to local and regional markets
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Business skills development and entrepreneurship training
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Women- and youth-led agri-business initiatives
These actions aim to increase incomes and strengthen local food systems.
Disaster Preparedness and Climate Risk Management
The initiative reinforces community resilience to climate shocks by supporting:
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Early warning systems
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Community-based disaster preparedness and response training
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Ecosystem-based adaptation approaches
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Conflict-sensitive natural resource management
These interventions help communities anticipate, respond to, and recover from climate-related hazards.
Who Benefits from the Project
The project targets approximately 15,000 households across Puntland State, with priority given to:
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Smallholder farmers
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Pastoralist communities
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Women-headed households
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Youth engaged in agriculture and livestock production
Why This Project Matters
Climate change is a key driver of food insecurity in Somalia. This project matters because it:
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Addresses root causes of vulnerability rather than short-term needs
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Integrates food security, livelihoods, and disaster risk reduction
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Builds local capacity for sustainable land and water management
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Promotes inclusive economic participation
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Strengthens long-term resilience in climate-exposed communities
How the Project Works
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Identify climate and livelihood vulnerabilities at community level
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Rehabilitate and expand irrigation and water systems
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Introduce climate-smart agriculture and livestock practices
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Strengthen market access and livelihood diversification
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Build disaster preparedness and early warning capacity
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Support community governance and local ownership
Common Implementation Tips
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Align activities with local climate risks and seasonal cycles
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Ensure strong community participation and ownership
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Integrate gender and youth inclusion across all components
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Coordinate agriculture and disaster risk management actions
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Monitor resilience, income, and nutrition outcomes consistently
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the duration of the project?
The project runs for three years, from March 2026 to March 2029.
Who is implementing the project?
The World Food Programme is implementing the project with funding from the African Development Bank.
Where is the project being implemented?
The project is implemented in Garowe District and surrounding areas of Puntland State, Somalia.
Who are the primary beneficiaries?
Smallholder farmers, pastoralists, women, youth, and climate-vulnerable households are the main beneficiaries.
What types of activities are supported?
Activities include irrigation rehabilitation, climate-smart agriculture, market access support, and disaster preparedness.
How does the project address climate change?
The project integrates climate-resilient farming, sustainable water management, and disaster risk reduction to reduce vulnerability to climate shocks.
Conclusion
The Activating Climate Resilience Agricultural Livelihoods in Somalia project delivers a comprehensive, long-term approach to food security and climate resilience in Puntland State. By combining sustainable water management, climate-smart agriculture, market access, and disaster preparedness, the initiative strengthens livelihoods, nutrition, and resilience for vulnerable communities while promoting inclusive and sustainable development.
For more information, visit UN Partner Portal.
