Mogadishu, Somalia – In the face of escalating climate threats, Somalia is turning to water-efficient irrigation systems as a lifeline to combat food insecurity and environmental degradation. As recurrent droughts, unpredictable rainfall, and rising temperatures plague the Horn of Africa, experts say efficient irrigation could drastically change Somalia’s agricultural future—and save lives.

According to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), over 80% of Somalia’s population relies on agriculture and livestock for survival. Yet, more than 60% of cultivated land remains dependent on unreliable rain-fed farming, exposing millions to hunger whenever rains fail. With climate change intensifying, rainfall is now more erratic than ever—leading to back-to-back droughts and crop failure.

Somalia has experienced five consecutive failed rainy seasons since 2020, displacing over 1.5 million people and pushing 6.6 million into crisis-level hunger, per UN estimates. The situation is especially dire in the South-Central and Puntland regions, where once-fertile lands have turned to dust bowls.

In response, local and international agencies are promoting the adoption of drip irrigation and solar-powered water systems. These technologies can reduce water usage by up to 70% compared to traditional flood irrigation, while increasing crop yields by as much as 90%—a transformative potential in a country where every drop counts.

“The future of Somali agriculture depends on how smart we are with our water, as traditional methods no longer work. Water-smart irrigation systems are not just about farming—they are about survival,” said Asha Yusuf, a climate resilience officer with the Ministry of Agriculture.

Pilot projects in Baidoa and Lower Shabelle have already shown promise. Smallholder farmers using efficient irrigation systems report a 40% reduction in crop losses, even during dry spells. Moreover, these systems also support reforestation and groundwater recharge, helping to restore fragile ecosystems.

However, scaling up remains a challenge. Costs of installation, limited technical knowledge, and poor infrastructure hinder widespread adoption. Still, organizations like FAO Somalia and the World Bank are investing millions in training, equipment, and policy frameworks to support this transition.

If adopted nationally, water-efficient irrigation could help Somalia escape the cycle of famine and dependency. As the climate crisis deepens, every drop of water saved could mean a family fed, a child kept in school, or a village saved from displacement.

The message is clear: Somalia’s survival may well depend on harvesting hope—one drop at a time.