“Before, my land was only a plot and a dream. Now, with USAID’s help, every seed is a new beginning, and every crop is a blessing.”
With USAID’s support, 200 farmers in Afgoye and Balad were equipped with quality seeds, training, and resources to improve 100 hectares of farmland. This initiative was amplified by private sector partners who reached out to marginalized farmers, especially in and around Baidoa and Hirshabelle. Together, these partnerships bolstered the livelihoods of more than 3,100 farmers, most of whom are women. With the right partnerships and resources, USAID paves the way for a more resilient and prosperous agricultural sector in Somalia.
For Abdisatar, this initiative was transformative. With access to better seeds and training, his yields increased threefold (from 1000 kgs to 3000 kgs). This not only meant more food but also a significant boost in his revenue. After USAID’s intervention, Abdisatar’s earnings increased from $800 to $1,500 each harvesting season.
Jointly funded by USAID and the United Kingdom’s Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office, the IRiS Project enhances economic growth for marginalized households in drought-affected areas by diversifying livelihoods and strengthening market systems. The project focuses on climate-resilient agriculture, urban integration of displaced persons, and private sector expansion. With USAID’s support, IRiS aims to improve livelihoods for 50,000 households, provide access to resilient seeds for over one million farmers, and facilitate $5 million in private sector investments.
For years, Abdisatar Husein diligently cultivated his farm in the the agricultural heartland of Afgoye. However, unpredictable weather, outdated farming methods, and a lack of access to quality seeds limited his yield of cowpeas and maize, earning him only $800 per season. This money was meant to support Adbisatar’s family throughout the year— but it wasn't enough.
This is a common story across farming communities in Somalia. Roughly 95% of farmers rely on informal seed sources and the quality and reliability of seeds are often compromised. This has been a pressing concern in a country where agriculture is more than just a livelihood—it's a lifeline. Establishing a commercial seed system capable of producing certified seeds of superior varieties with a distribution and marketing system that serves the needs of small-scale farmers is a complex process requiring the participation of multi stakeholders.
Recognizing the important role of the private sector in driving sustainable change, USAID Somalia’s Inclusive Resilience in Somalia (IRiS) Activity formed strategic partnerships with private seed providers. The goal was to elevate the quality of seeds available to farmers and extend the outreach, especially to farmers in remote areas.
