Somalia is a very underdeveloped country, and most of the people here depend on the agriculture and livestock sector. According to a survey, about 60 to 70% of the people here are related to the agriculture sector, which is the reason for their employment and food.
The agriculture sector contributes the most to Somalia’s total GDP. According to an international survey, in 2020, almost 60% of Somalia’s total GDP was contributed by agriculture. However, despite this, more than 70% of the people here suffer from hunger and malnutrition.
For the development of this sector, it is important to promote investment at the international level and introduce modern agriculture systems. Such crops should be introduced which can be obtained even with less water.
Impact of Climate Change on Somali Agriculture
Somalia is the most affected country due to climate change. It is a country where the agricultural system depends on rains up to 60%. Here, due to the lack of rain, crops do not get water properly, due to food shortage and people suffer from food insecurity. Somalia has seen a decrease of 30 to 40% in the recent year’s rainfall record.
Due to such a lack of rain, drought occurs, and the agricultural system becomes vulnerable. Due to this drought, food shortage has increased by 20% in Somalia this year. To deal with these climatic changes, it is necessary to introduce modern technology in the agriculture system here.
Challenges to Food Security and Rural Livelihoods
As mentioned above, more than 70% of Somalia’s population is dependent on agriculture and livestock. Unfortunately, agriculture and livestock are the most affected sectors due to climate change. Due to the lack of rain, the production of crops decreases due to which about 73% of the rural population suffers from malnutrition and 35% of the people suffer from severe hunger and poverty.
Here, due to a severe lack of rainfall, rivers remain dry, and the agricultural infrastructure is crumbling, with only 10% of the land under cultivation, which meets only 30% of Somalia’s needs. To deal with these challenges, it is very important to end political instability in Somalia and promote foreign investment.
Strategic Interventions for Agricultural Growth and Sustainability
More than 70% of Somalia’s economy depends on agriculture alone, so by promoting foreign investment here, we can increase the crops produced in Somalia by 50%. In case of this increase, the people of Somalia will not have to suffer from food insecurity and food shortage can be controlled here.
The Somali government wants to increase the agricultural yield of Somalia by 40% in the coming years. And this will be possible only when the World Bank and international aid are invested in agriculture.
About 73% or more of the total people in Somalia depend only on agriculture and livestock sectors, but still, people here suffer from hunger and malnutrition. Despite the 60% share of agriculture in Somalia’s GDP, many people here are deprived of two daily breads. Modern technology should be introduced in the agriculture sector to deal with climate change. To further develop the agriculture sector, it is important to promote international investment.
