Somaliland Institute of Agriculture Research Showcases Climate-Resilient Crops at Farmers' Field Day in Aburriin

Somaliland Institute of Agriculture Research Showcases Climate-Resilient Crops at Farmers' Field Day in Aburriin
Aburriin, Somaliland — November 20
The Somaliland Institute of Agricultural Research (SIAR) hosted a successful Farmers' Field Day on Wednesday at the Aburriin Center for Research and Training (ACRET). The event showcased a new generation of climate-resilient crops and livestock fodder, aimed at enhancing food security in the region.
Senior officials from several government ministries, led by the Ministry of Agricultural Development, attended the event, along with representatives from international partner organizations. They observed the latest research outcomes from SIAR, while local farmers from Aburriin, the primary beneficiaries of the program, took part in field demonstrations and discussions on crop performance.
Farmers expressed optimism about the newly introduced crop varieties, highlighting their resilience to drought, pests, and common plant diseases. Many of the crops on display are also early-maturing, which is a key advantage in Somaliland’s increasingly unpredictable climate.
SIAR showcased a variety of crops, including sweet potatoes, pigeon peas, sweet corn, improved sorghum varieties, and pearl millet. These crops are part of ongoing trials to identify those best suited to Somaliland’s semi-arid conditions.
In addition to food crops, SIAR also introduced advanced fodder varieties aimed at improving livestock nutrition—a crucial component of Somaliland’s rural economy. The fodder varieties included Napier grass, Lablab, Blue Panic, thornless fodder species, and other high-yield varieties that have been rigorously tested.
According to SIAR officials, the institute is expanding its research agenda to address some of the country’s most pressing environmental and agricultural challenges. Current priorities include crop improvement, livestock feed development, climate-change adaptation, and surface water resource management.
“Our goal is to generate practical, home-grown solutions that directly address the challenges facing Somaliland’s farmers,” said Khalid Mohamud Jama-Cawl, deputy executive director of SIAR.
Ali Ismail, the executive director of SIAR, who also addressed the farmers at the event, encouraged them to plant the new crop varieties on their farms so that they could evaluate which ones perform best in their local conditions. He also emphasized that some of the showcased crops, such as sweet potatoes and sweet corn, could be used for commercial purposes.
The event underscored the growing momentum within Somaliland’s agricultural sector, as researchers and farmers collaborate to create more resilient food systems in the face of climate challenges.