H1: Ugbaad Project Empowers Somalia’s Climate Resilience
In a landmark move toward climate resilience, Somalia has launched Ugbaad, a transformative project to strengthen climate-resilient agriculture and restore degraded landscapes. Backed by a $79.7 million investment from the Green Climate Fund (GCF) and led by Somalia’s Federal Government in partnership with the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), the project is set to address the country’s growing climate challenges.
Named after the Somali word for “fresh sprouting pasture,” Ugbaad symbolizes hope and renewal in a country where nearly two-thirds of the population depends on agriculture yet faces increasingly severe droughts, floods, and food insecurity.
H2: Building a Sustainable Future Through Agriculture
The seven-year project is Somalia’s first large-scale GCF-funded initiative. It builds on a two-year Green Climate Fund Readiness Programme that has helped the country develop a national climate finance strategy.
With a community-centred approach, Ugbaad will:
- Restore over 40,000 hectares of degraded land using locally led solutions.
- Rehabilitate 15 km of irrigation canals and 70 km of rural roads to withstand extreme weather.
- Increase climate-resilient incomes for 15,000 people by at least 15%.
- Improve access to water for 900,000 people.
- Expand climate information services to reach 950,000 people.
The project will specifically target pastoralists and agropastoralists, who are among the most affected by climate-induced displacement and food insecurity.
Tackling Climate Threats: Droughts and Floods
Drought remains one of Somalia’s biggest challenges, often causing 40% livestock losses per household, leading to food shortages and mass displacement. Ugbaad will provide sustainable solutions by ensuring vulnerable communities have better access to climate finance, meteorological alerts, and water resources.
Additionally, annual flooding along the Jubba and Shabelle rivers has destroyed countless homes and farmlands. Ugbaad will help prevent and mitigate flood damage by reinforcing critical infrastructure and improving disaster response strategies.
Community Participation at the Core
A key pillar of the Ugbaad project is empowering local communities. Through collaboration with government ministries, research institutions, and civil society organizations, Ugbaad aims to transform outdated agricultural practices into sustainable, climate-smart solutions.
FAO’s Assistant Director-General for Africa, Abebe Haile-Gabriel, emphasized the importance of locally-led adaptation efforts, stating:
“The Ugbaad project recognizes the challenges communities face and the opportunities to advance resilient, locally driven solutions.”
Somalia’s Commitment to Climate Action
The project aligns with Somalia’s National Transformation Plan, reinforcing the government’s vision for a climate-resilient economy. H.E. Deputy Prime Minister Salah Jama highlighted:
“Somalia is taking bold steps to integrate climate resilience into national development, restoring landscapes, securing livelihoods, and building a sustainable future for all.”
Despite operating in fragile and conflict-affected regions, Ugbaad incorporates strong oversight frameworks to ensure efficient, transparent use of resources.
Next Steps: A Climate-Resilient Tomorrow
Formally launched in February 2025, Ugbaad is now in the consultation phase. An inception workshop to finalize project implementation strategies is planned for April.
With a strong global backing, a community-driven approach, and a focus on long-term sustainability, the Ugbaad project marks a transformative step toward climate resilience in Somalia, setting a precedent for climate action in vulnerable nations.
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