Somalia Strengthens Food Security Through New UNOPS Partnership

Mogadishu, Somalia — August 26, 2026

Somalia is taking another step toward strengthening food security and developing its agricultural sector following the signing of a new Memorandum of Understanding between the Ministry of Agriculture and Irrigation and the United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS).

The agreement was signed after a meeting in Mogadishu between Somalia’s Minister of Agriculture and Irrigation, Mohamed Abdi Hayir Maareeye, and a UNOPS delegation led by the organization’s Director in Somalia, Alaa Nimer.

The discussions focused on expanding cooperation between the Somali government and UNOPS and coordinating efforts to support the country’s national priorities in agriculture and food security.

A major focus of the agreement is the development and maintenance of irrigation and agricultural infrastructure. Improving these systems is expected to help increase domestic agricultural production while supporting farmers and strengthening the country’s capacity to respond to challenges affecting food production.

The partnership will also support the implementation of Somalia’s 10th National Transformation Plan (NTP-10) and the National Agricultural Transformation Strategy, linking agricultural development with the country’s broader development goals.

Another important component of the agreement is emergency action to prevent and reduce the impact of floods. Such measures are intended to protect agricultural crops, production facilities and other essential resources from damage, particularly in areas vulnerable to flooding.

For Somalia, where agriculture remains an important source of livelihoods and food, stronger irrigation systems and better protection against climate-related risks could play a significant role in building a more resilient food system.

The cooperation between the Ministry of Agriculture and Irrigation and UNOPS therefore represents an effort to move beyond immediate challenges and invest in the infrastructure and systems needed for sustainable agricultural growth.

With coordinated government and international support, the partnership could contribute to increased local production, greater resilience among farming communities and stronger food security across Somalia.