Hiiraan Online
Thursday, January 7, 2016
MOGADISHU (HOL) – The World Food Programme has denied allegations by Somalia’s government that its Somalia operation continues to undermine the country’s agriculture by starting its food aid distributions at the country’s harvest period; a scenario which the government says
discourages farmers from producing crops and degrades local crops’ value.
Somalia’s deputy minister of agriculture said that WFP’s current operation setting continues to undercut Somalia’s farming industry and ‘depressed’ farmers.
However, WFP has denied the allegations, reiterating that it empowers Somali farmers to boost the local production.
“Strengthening livelihoods is a core objective of WFP’s programmes in Somalia. WFP and its partners are working with Somali farmers, providing technical training and support to boost their production
capacity and linking them to international markets.” The statement sent to HOL said Thursday.
“ WFP has purchased maize from Somali farmers on a number of occasions, and is currently in the process of buying more than 1000 metric tons of maize from a cooperative of farmers in Afgoye and
Awdheegle.” It added.
Agriculture is the most important economic sector for Somalia as it accounts for about 65% of the GDP and employs 65% of the workforce while livestock contributes about 40% to GDP and more than 50% of
The development comes despite a recent report by, the World Food Programme that the situation in Somalia has improved since the crisis of 2011, when four million people experienced extreme food insecurity and famine occurred in some regions of the south.
However, the gradual recovery and gains made are being threatened as below average rains, conflict and trade disruptions combined with limited humanitarian access and resources have left thousands of
people in need of lifesaving food and nutrition assistance, according to the agency.