Somalia’s Agriculture Minister Calls for Shift from Aid to Self-Sufficiency

Somalia is pushing for a major shift in its economic and agricultural direction, as Agriculture Minister Mohamed Abdi Hayir, popularly known as Maareeye, urges the nation to produce what it consumes and reduce long-term dependence on foreign aid.

Speaking on the country’s agricultural future, the minister emphasized that Somalia’s path to sustainable development lies in fully utilizing its natural resources, particularly its vast agricultural potential. He called on farmers, investors, and citizens to prioritize local production and support homegrown industries.

Maareeye stressed that Somalia has the capacity to grow much of the food it currently imports, noting that reliance on external assistance has, over time, slowed the development of domestic production systems.

The minister’s message is part of a broader government effort to strengthen food security and build economic resilience, especially in a country that has faced years of climate challenges, conflict, and dependency on humanitarian aid.

Officials say new agricultural strategies are being developed to support farmers with better access to seeds, modern equipment, irrigation systems, and training. These efforts aim to increase productivity while encouraging both subsistence farming and large-scale agribusiness.

Experts believe the push toward self-sufficiency could mark a turning point for Somalia’s economy. By reducing import dependency and boosting local production, the country could improve livelihoods, stabilize food prices, and create employment opportunities across rural communities.

The call to “produce what we consume” is increasingly resonating as a national message — one that reflects a growing desire to transition from aid dependency to economic independence and long-term sustainability.

As Somalia looks ahead, the success of this vision will depend on consistent investment, strong policy implementation, and the active participation of farmers and the private sector in rebuilding the country’s agricultural backbone.