The Board of Directors of the African Development Fund (ADF) has approved, on 02 December 2025, a $9.63 million grant to strengthen climate resilience, food security and incomes of rural communities in the Hirshabelle and Puntland regions of Somalia.
Under the Activating Climate-Resilient Agricultural Livelihoods in Somalia project, the financing will support investments in improved water access, climate-smart agriculture, and more robust disaster preparedness at the community level. Farmers and pastoralists will gain access to rehabilitated irrigation systems, restored rangelands, climate data and early warning systems. Local communities will also receive training to use resilient seeds, improve soil health, and reduce post-harvest losses.
In addition to the ADF’s contribution, sourced from its Climate Action Window, the World Food Programme will provide an additional $2.2 million in in-kind support to the total project value of $11.83 million. The African Development Fund is the concessional lending arm of the African Development Bank.
“Somalia is facing a humanitarian emergency of unprecedented scale, with millions at risk due to persistent drought and below-average rains,” said Pascal Sanginga, the Bank’s Agriculture Sector Manager for East Africa. “This project is about more than immediate relief; it is about equipping communities to rebuild their livelihoods and face the future with confidence.”
The initiative will directly reach 180,000 people and indirectly benefit another 300,000, including women, youth, and pastoral households. It aims to transform local economies with higher crop yields, stronger market access, and improved livestock nutrition. New livelihood opportunities, financial literacy, and entrepreneurship training will help reduce vulnerability and promote long-term resilience. By easing pressure on natural resources and strengthening community governance, the project is also expected to contribute to peace and stability in the region.
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