Encouraging and supporting Somali farmers.

Instead of encouraging and supporting Somali farmers, and prioritizing the purchase of locally produced crops, markets are often filled with imported goods. Products such as milk, chicken, eggs, bananas, and other agricultural produce are brought in from abroad by traders. This practice severely undermines local farmers and pastoralists, especially small-scale producers who already struggle to compete.

There is little to no effective government or institutional control over the influx of these imported goods. As a result, domestic producers are left unprotected and disadvantaged in their own markets.
Furthermore, the situation is worsened by ongoing insecurity, which disrupts farming activities and livestock production. In addition, some aid organizations, despite good intentions distribute food assistance that directly competes with locally produced goods, further weakening the livelihoods of vulnerable communities.
As the Somali proverb says, “Cidna uma maqna, ceelna uma qodna”no one listens, and no one digs the well.

The solution lies in prioritizing the purchase of local products and strengthening support for farmers and pastoralists within the country. Empowering them through access to local markets and fair competition is essential for sustainable development.

The Somali Farmers Association (SFA) works to support farmers by helping them access domestic markets and by promoting initiatives that encourage and uplift small-scale farmers and pastoralists.