Mogadishu, Somalia – On Sunday, Somalia took a decisive step toward strengthening its agricultural future as Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre laid the foundation stone for the country’s first National Agricultural Research Institute. The ceremony, modest but full of anticipation, marked the beginning of an initiative long discussed in policy circles but never realized until now.
The atmosphere around the site captured the weight of the moment. Government officials, farmers’ representatives, and young agricultural students gathered under the morning sun, watching as the Prime Minister pressed the stone into place. For many in attendance, it felt like the beginning of a long-awaited shift toward a more resilient and self-reliant Somalia.
The new institute is expected to become the backbone of the nation’s efforts to modernize farming, a sector that supports millions yet remains vulnerable to climate shocks, outdated practices, and limited access to technology. Once operational, it will conduct research tailored to Somalia’s soils and climate, support livestock development, and help farmers adopt more efficient methods. It is also intended to serve as a training ground for the next generation of agricultural experts, a crucial investment for a country where food insecurity remains a persistent challenge.
Officials noted that the project aims to attract domestic and international investment, positioning agriculture and livestock as engines of economic recovery. By building a hub for innovation and learning, the government hopes to reduce the country’s dependence on imported food and create new opportunities for rural communities.
As workers began preparing the ground behind him, the Prime Minister spent several minutes speaking with elders and youth leaders who had come to witness the event. Their presence was a reminder that this initiative reaches beyond policy; it touches families and livelihoods across Somalia. For many farmers, the promise of better seeds, improved techniques, and research-driven solutions could mean the difference between uncertainty and stability.
The foundation stone now sits as a symbol of ambition, but the task ahead remains immense. Building an institute is one step; transforming an entire agricultural system is another. Yet for those who stood on that dusty plot of land on Sunday morning, the moment carried a quiet confidence—an opening chapter in Somalia’s long journey toward food security and economic renewal.