Somalia, 10 October 2025 — Somalia’s Federal Government and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) convened the first meeting of the Project Steering Committee (PSC) for the “Ugbaad” Project, focused on Climate Resilient Agriculture in Somalia, in Mogadishu on Thursday.
The meeting brought together representatives from federal and state governments, UN agencies, and civil society to review implementation plans and ensure alignment with national climate and agricultural priorities.
Funded by the Green Climate Fund (GCF) with a total value of USD 94.9 million— comprising USD 79.7 million in GCF grants and USD 15.2 million in co-financing—the Ugbaad Project aims to restore over 41,800 hectares of degraded land, improve water management, promote climate-smart agriculture, and strengthen market systems. More than two million Somalis are expected to benefit, including 1.15 million direct recipients.
Somalia faces significant challenges as one of the world’s most fragile countries. High rates of food insecurity, low agricultural productivity, conflicts over natural resources, and climate change vulnerabilities continue to affect communities dependent on rain-fed crops and livestock.
“The Ugbaad Project stands as a model of collaboration between the Federal Government, Federal Member States, and FAO,” said Bashir Mohamed Jama, Somalia’s Minister of Environment and Climate Change and the PSC chair. “Together, we are restoring land, protecting livelihoods, and helping communities adapt to a changing climate.”
The project seeks to strengthen local capacity for climate adaptation by restoring productive landscapes, promoting sustainable agriculture, improving water access, providing climate-resilient inputs such as seeds and fodder, and enhancing market access and institutional coordination.
Etienne Peterschmitt, FAO Representative in Somalia, emphasized the community-focused approach. “The Ugbaad Project puts local communities at the center of climate adaptation by strengthening their capacity to restore degraded landscapes, adopt climate-smart agriculture, and diversify livelihoods. The project is rekindling hope for transformative climate adaptation action in Somalia that aligns with government priorities towards climate-resilient and inclusive growth.”
During the meeting, PSC members reviewed governance mechanisms, the Year 2 budget, and monitoring frameworks to ensure alignment with Somalia’s National Adaptation Plan (NAP). Officials stressed the importance of coordination between the federal and state levels and community engagement as critical to achieving long-term impact.
Approved on 24 October 2024, the Ugbaad Project is currently in its implementation phase and is scheduled for completion on 24 October 2031. Stakeholders reaffirmed their commitment to locally led solutions, sustainable agriculture, and tangible improvements in food security and livelihoods.