Bay Region Agricultural Development Project

The Bay region is located between the Juba and Shebelli rivers in the south of Somalia. This is the country's most important rainfed farming area, producing more than 50 per cent of the country’s grain supply. A number of factors, such as poor access to water during the dry season and the lack of access roads and farmer training have hindered the area's development and led to a decline in agricultural production.

This project was designed as the first phase of a multi-phase development plan for the Bay region. Its goal was to arrest the deteriorating agricultural situation and work towards reversing this trend. The project set out to increase the production of food crops (mainly sorghum and pulses) and livestock (cattle, camels, sheep and goats), improve physical and organizational infrastructure and develop and disseminate a technological package for improved land use. Specific activities undertaken were:

• improving the region's water supply by carrying out a survey of available groundwater and constructing wells and boreholes
• improving crop varieties for a higher yield
• providing training to farmers and local staff, and strengthening institutions providing agricultural development support
• upgrading the road system
• providing agricultural extension and adaptive research, technical assistance and training to improve productivity

Source: IFAD