Shaqodoon Leads Multi-Stakeholder Dialogue on Agricultural Mechanization and Access to Finance in Somalia

Mogadishu, Somalia – This week, Shaqodoon Organization convened a high-impact, two-day Multi-Stakeholder Workshop in Mogadishu, aimed at transforming access to agricultural mechanization for smallholder farmers in Somalia. The workshop was organized under the EU-funded Riverine and Pastoral Food System Strengthening (RFSS) Project, implemented by Shaqodoon in collaboration with the Somali Resilience Program (SomReP) and the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Irrigation (MoAI).

Laying the Groundwork for Inclusive Mechanization

The workshop brought together a wide array of stakeholders representing the core pillars of Somalia’s agricultural finance and mechanization ecosystem. Participants included:

• Government officials from the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and regional ministries in Hirshabelle and Jubaland

• Representatives from commercial banks, microfinance institutions, and insurance companies

• Tractor service providers and agricultural machinery dealers

• Leaders from farmer cooperatives and civil society organizations

The event focused on co-designing sustainable and inclusive financial models that will enable smallholder farmers—particularly in Somalia’s riverine and agro-pastoral communities—to access modern farming equipment and mechanization services.

Driving Innovation through Human-Centered Design

Using a Human-Centered Design approach, Shaqodoon facilitated discussions that centered farmers’ voices and real-world challenges. Group sessions and panels explored:

• Findings from Shaqodoon’s Agricultural Mechanization and Tractor Matching Services Study

• Current status of agri-financing products and barriers to access

• Innovative models for tractor leasing, cooperative-driven access, and bundled insurance

• The role of digital tools such as M-Dalag—a Shaqodoon-developed platform that connects farmers with mechanization services and equipment sharing

Participants engaged in collaborative problem-solving around documentation barriers, lack of collateral, seasonal repayment models, and gender inclusion in agri-finance.

Commitments and Key Takeaways

A significant outcome of the workshop was the expressed commitment by financial institutions to:

• Expand credit lines and tailored loan products for farmers

• Introduce flexible repayment plans aligned with seasonal farming cycles

• Invest in partnerships with tractor providers and cooperatives to scale access

Shaqodoon emphasized the importance of public-private cooperation, highlighting its past experience in youth entrepreneurship, digital innovation, and resilience-building initiatives as a strong foundation for mechanization support.

“Mechanization should not be a privilege—it’s a right. When farmers have the tools they need, they produce more, earn more, and feed more,” said a Shaqodoon spokesperson.

A New Chapter for Somalia’s Agriculture Sector

The event marks a new chapter in Somalia’s effort to modernize its agriculture sector through technology-driven, climate-resilient, and community-owned solutions. With the success of this workshop, Shaqodoon and its partners are laying the groundwork for scaling agricultural innovation, increasing food security, and strengthening livelihoods across the country.

About the RFSS Project
The Riverine and Pastoral Food System Strengthening (RFSS) project is part of a broader initiative supported by the European Union, implemented by SomReP Consortium partners, and led by Shaqodoon in select regions of Somalia. The project aims to improve food security, climate resilience, and economic opportunity through targeted interventions across the agricultural value chain.

For media inquiries or more information about Shaqodoon’s agricultural programs, please contact:
📧 info@shaqodoon.org | 🌐 www.shaqodoon.org