Empowering Women Farmers: A New Initiative in Somalia

On May 8, 2025, a significant milestone was reached in Mogadishu. Janine Cocker, the Head of Cooperation at the Embassy of Canada to Somalia, and Etienne Peterschmitt, the FAO Representative in Somalia, shook hands, symbolizing their commitment to a brighter future for women’s empowerment and climate resilience in agriculture. This partnership heralds a new chapter for Somalia’s agricultural landscape, driven by the initiative aptly named “Scaling Up Gender-Inclusive and Climate-Resilient Livelihoods in Somalia.”

This ambitious program aims to tackle two urgent issues plaguing rural communities: gender inequality and climate vulnerabilities. In a nation where women constitute the backbone of the agriculture and livestock sectors, the continuous barriers they face—limitations in accessing land, securing credit, and connecting to viable markets—serve as impediments to progress. The stark reality is that female-headed households in Somalia often contend with heightened levels of food insecurity and malnutrition. According to the FAO Somalia’s Food Security and Nutrition Analysis Unit, these households are particularly susceptible to the whims of climate shocks, such as devastating droughts and overwhelming floods.

“Canada is proud to support this transformative partnership with FAO and the Government of Somalia, which puts women and climate resilience at the center of food security efforts,” stated Janine Cocker. Her words resonate deeply: investing in gender equality and climate action isn’t just a moral obligation; it’s also a strategic move to bolster development and resilience in vulnerable communities. How often do we overlook the intersection of gender and environmental issues? This initiative seeks to change that narrative.

The strategic framework of this initiative isn’t flimsy; it builds upon two flagship FAO-led efforts: the Joint Drought Recovery and Resilience Programme (JDRRP) and the Jowhar Offstream Storage Programme (JOSP). Both programs focus on restoring vital water access and rehabilitating farmland that has succumbed to prolonged drought conditions. The stories behind such initiatives often reveal the tenacity and courage of individuals striving for a better life despite the challenges: a mother who walks miles to fetch water or a young girl who forgoes schooling to help her family farm.

Etienne Peterschmitt encapsulates the initiative’s essence: “By simultaneously addressing gender barriers and climate vulnerabilities, we can unlock Somalia’s agricultural potential while building long-term resilience.” His vision taps into the idea that when women thrive, communities flourish. Thus, the goals of this initiative are ambitious but attainable. They focus on four essential outcomes: enhancing women’s participation in agricultural production, increasing the climate resilience of food systems, improving access to markets, and strengthening local institutions for gender-responsive governance and natural resource management. It raises an important question: what happens when local voices are considered in decision-making processes?

Moreover, the program adopts an area-based approach, targeting specific regions with solutions that are tailored and coordinated. This strategy aims not just to react to climate-induced displacements but to promote sustainable livelihoods proactively. Can there be a more holistic approach than understanding that each community has unique needs and strengths? It’s a principle that invites us to look deeper into the fabric of social dynamics.

This partnership aligns seamlessly with Canada’s Feminist International Assistance Policy and the FAO’s broader goal of achieving gender equality in agricultural development. But its implications extend beyond Somalia. Officials have indicated that the Somali model holds potential for replication across the Horn of Africa, striving to create inclusive and climate-resilient food systems. Imagine if a unified approach could ripple across borders, transcending divisions and harnessing collective strength.

In many ways, this initiative is a testament to the belief that resilience can be cultivated, especially when we collectively commit to addressing the intersecting issues of gender equality and climate change. As we watch the development of this program, there is a palpable sense of hope. Isn’t it heartening to witness partnerships that dare to dream of a better tomorrow, one where women farmers stand not just as participants, but as leaders in shaping sustainable futures?

As we reflect on this union between the FAO and the Government of Canada, it is evident that the work ahead will require dedication, creativity, and collaboration. Yet, it is a hopeful stride toward cultivating a land where women can thrive, communities can flourish, and food security can be a reality. Together, we stand at the precipice of change — will we embrace the challenge?

Edited By Ali Musa
Axadle Times International–Monitoring