Somalia agriculture minister urges local production to end aid dependence

By Nuri AdenSaturday April 4, 2026

Somalia’s Agriculture minister Mohamed Abdi Hayir on a farm tour. / Others

Somalia’s Minister of Agriculture and Irrigation, Mohamed Abdi Hayir, widely known as Mareeye, has delivered a blunt message about the country’s direction, urging Somalis, investors and decision-makers to place agriculture, livestock and fisheries at the center of national recovery and long-term growth.

Speaking at length in Mogadishu, the minister laid out both the strain and the promise facing the country, saying Somalia is at a decisive moment between continued dependence and a more self-sufficient future.

“For decades, we have relied too heavily on external systems,” he said. “But the reality is changing. The world is becoming more uncertain and Somalia must produce what it consumes.”

Looking back at recent droughts, Maareeye said Somali communities are beginning to respond to climate shocks in a more organized and effective way.

In contrast with earlier years, when drought left herds devastated and livelihoods shattered, action from communities, state institutions and the diaspora helped soften the blow this time around.

Turning point

Cash support from across society, including senior government officials and Somalis living abroad, helped deliver water and animal feed to vulnerable pastoralists. That intervention preserved most livestock and, in the minister’s view, marked an important shift in resilience.

“This time, people adapted. They learned how to protect their animals, how to manage their farms, and how to respond to changing conditions,” he said.

Maareeye argued that Somalia’s path to prosperity lies in its natural assets rather than in speculative ventures, pointing to agriculture, livestock and fisheries as the country’s strongest and most durable sources of wealth.

“People are investing millions in real estate that cannot be easily liquidated,” he said. “But that same investment in agriculture could generate far greater returns, while feeding the nation and creating jobs.”

Success stories

He pointed to encouraging examples already taking shape, especially greenhouse farming projects led by young entrepreneurs around Mogadishu. Those ventures are now supplying a notable share of the capital’s fresh produce and showing how modest investments can produce steady income.

“A single greenhouse can sustain a family,” he noted. “This is not theory, it is already happening.”

Maareeye said Somalia will need coordinated support at both national and international levels if it is to fully unlock its agricultural potential. He called for investment in irrigation, livestock production, fisheries and export crops such as bananas, once a major pillar of the Somali economy.

He also stressed that foreign assistance should be aligned with Somalia’s own priorities, with resources steered toward lasting productivity rather than temporary relief.

“Support must go to the right places, the right land, the right systems, the right ideas,” he said.

Dependency culture

In one of the strongest parts of his speech, the minister took aim at what he described as a dependence on humanitarian aid.

While recognizing that aid remains vital during emergencies, he said sustainable development depends on a turn toward self-reliance and the dignity that comes from work.

“Begging is not a solution,” he said. “People must work, produce, and protect their dignity.”

He also said plans are in place to confront exploitative systems that benefit from displaced communities, while encouraging farmers to return to productive land as security allows.

The minister warned that Somalia cannot afford to ignore events beyond its borders. Wars in key regions, including Eastern Europe and the Middle East, have already disrupted food supply chains and pushed up global prices.

“If these conflicts continue, even countries with money may struggle to access food,” he cautioned. “The only real security is what you produce yourself.”

He cited history to reinforce the point, saying even wealthy nations have experienced shortages during major global crises when supply lines broke down.

Maareeye’s message was clear: Somalia must rebuild its productive base.

With broad agricultural land, a long coastline rich in marine resources and a population increasingly aware of the need for resilience, he said the country has what it takes to move from dependence toward self-sufficiency.

“The opportunity is there,” he said. “Agriculture is not just survival, it is the future.”