The Federal Government of Somalia, in partnership with the United Nations, today launched a two-year programme aimed at strengthening food systems and boosting resilience across the country.

The initiative, titled HIT Food Systems for Somalia, is funded by the SDG Fund and will be implemented by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the World Food Programme (WFP). It will directly support over 28,000 people, including vulnerable groups, smallholder farmers, and government institutions.

Speaking at the launch event in Mogadishu, Deputy Prime Minister Salah Ahmed Jama said the initiative is vital to Somalia’s broader state-building goals.

“Food systems must be at the heart of our resilience architecture,” he stated. “This joint programme lays the foundation for long-term investment and empowers communities—especially women and youth—as agents of transformation.”

UN Resident Coordinator George Conway added that the programme aligns with the country’s development strategy.

“Addressing food insecurity in Somalia requires a whole-of-system approach,” he said. “This programme will have a transformative and catalytic impact.”

FAO and WFP officials highlighted the importance of joint programming in linking nutrition, climate adaptation, and inclusive livelihoods to create a sustainable food system.

With 4.6 million Somalis at risk of severe hunger by mid-2025, the project is seen as a timely and strategic step toward improving food security and reducing vulnerability.