IGAD CAEP and WFP yesterday, November 19, 2024 hosted a side event at #COP29 in Baku, Azerbaijan focusing on food and nutrition security in Somalia. The Side Event convened under the theme: “Enhancing Climate Adaptation and Capacities of the Productive Sectors of the Federal Government of Somalia” attracted participation from various stakeholders.

Agriculture (includes livestock and fisheries) is the backbone of Somalia’s economy, contributing up to 70 percent of GDP, 80 percent of employment, and about half of the country’s export. However, the productive sector in Somalia remains underwhelming due to a combination of factors including climate change. This event will focus on the intersection of climate change, food security and governance in Somalia highlighting how adaptation efforts can contribute to enhanced food and nutrition security and peace while avoiding maladaptation. The discussion will cover the food and nutrition security context in Somalia and climate change impacts, challenges, and opportunities for enhanced investments in the productive sectors focusing on key Climate change policies such as Somalia NDC and NAP.

While there is need for a food and nutrition secure Somalia, the event took note of the recurrent climatic changes that have impacted the sector immensely.

Among the questions discussed at the event included:

• What are the biggest impediments to food and nutrition security in Somalia?
• What are the opportunities for sharing best practices and knowledge management including value addition and maximizing co benefits including mitigation and peace building?
• How do we enhance investment in the productive sectors in Somalia to achieve food & nutrition security (focus on implementation of sector policies and Somalia NDC)?