Mogadishu, Somalia, 21 August 2024 — The Minister of Livestock, Forestry, and Range (MoLFR) of Somalia, H.E. Hassan Hussein Mohamed (Elay) has today inaugurated new integrated livestock market facilities in Mogadishu. These state-of-the-art facilities are set to enhance market access, trade, and livelihoods for pastoralists across southern Somalia.

The market includes several sections such as a certification points, quarantine units, a regional veterinary diagnostic laboratory equipped with disease surveillance capabilities, animal husbandry facilities, and a fully furnished administrative block.

This significant project, which also includes the construction of boreholes, roads, and other infrastructure, has been funded by the African Development Bank Group (AfDB) through the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) under the “Drought Resilience and Sustainable Livelihoods Program (DRSLP),” and was implemented by Save the Children in Somalia.

The inauguration ceremony was attended by officials from the Ministries of Livestock, Forestry & Range and Ports and Marine Transport, other government dignitaries, and the Save the Children Country Director. Attendees highlighted the importance of these facilities for the resilience and economy of both rural and urban communities.

During the event, H.E. Hassan Hussein Mohamed (Elay), the Minister of Livestock, Forestry, and Range, stated:

"This infrastructure marks a significant step in strengthening the resilience of communities in the country. Improved market access and trade opportunities are key priorities for the government, as they will support not only pastoral communities but also urban livelihoods. We are confident that these livestock facilities will have a transformative impact on the national economy, enhancing access to international markets for Somalia’s predominantly pastoralist population.”

Mohamud Mohamed Hassan, Save the Children Somalia Country Director, added:

“This new livestock infrastructure at Mogadishu port will play a crucial role in poverty reduction by facilitating access to local and international markets for pastoralist families. Save the Children remains committed to working alongside local communities and the government to improve livelihoods and build resilience in drought-affected regions. Building community resilience through such infrastructure projects is central to achieving our shared objectives.”

About the DRSLP-II Project 

The Drought Resilience and Sustainable Livelihoods Program (DRSLP) is a project financed by the African Development Bank (AfDB) and implemented in Somalia. It targets over 1.5 million people and four million animals. The project focuses on building resilience and sustainable livelihoods for pastoral and agro-pastoral communities in drought-prone areas of Somalia.

The project’s overall goal is to contribute to poverty reduction and accelerated economic growth on a sustainable basis in Somalia. This is achieved through investments in natural resource management, integrated land management, ecosystem restoration, and rebuilding agricultural and livestock infrastructure. The program's medium- and long-term objectives are to stabilize pastoral and agro-pastoral production systems and improve the livelihoods and resilience of these communities.