Somaliland Institute of Agriculture Research Participates in CGIAR Science Week

[Deeq A.]

Somaliland Institute of Agriculture Research Participates in CGIAR Science Week 2025: Shaping the Future of Agriculture, Climate, and Health

From April 7-11, 2025, global leaders in agriculture, climate science, and health will gather in Nairobi, Kenya, for the inaugural CGIAR Science Week. Co-hosted by CGIAR and the Kenyan Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization (KALRO), this landmark event is set to address some of the world’s most pressing challenges, including climate change, food insecurity, gender inequality, and rural poverty. With a focus on research and innovation, the event also marks the launch of the CGIAR 2025-2030 Research Portfolio—a transformative global initiative aimed at driving agricultural research for sustainable development.

One of the key contributors to this global dialogue is the Somaliland Institute of Agriculture Research (SIAR), a leading Agriculture Research Organization in the Somaliland. Represented by Senior Researcher Mohamed Warsame Farah, SIAR will bring local expertise to the table while tapping into cutting-edge research from around the world.

CGIAR Science Week and the 2025-2030 Research Portfolio

CGIAR Science Week is more than just a conference—it’s a platform for collaboration, innovation, and action. The event will unveil the CGIAR 2025-2030 Research Portfolio, which will direct between $6 billion and $12 billion towards agricultural research over the next six years. This initiative aims to address critical issues like climate change, food insecurity, rural poverty, gender inequality, and environmental degradation.

More than 100 countries will be represented, and participants—including researchers, policymakers, and practitioners—will exchange knowledge, foster partnerships, and drive innovations to reshape agricultural systems. The event will feature plenary sessions, exhibitions, field visits to CGIAR labs, and science talks that will inspire action and set the course for the future of sustainable agriculture.

SIAR’s Role in the Global Agricultural Dialogue

The participation of SIAR in CGIAR Science Week underscores its pivotal role in advancing agricultural research in the Horn of Africa. With an emphasis on local solutions, SIAR has been at the forefront of agricultural research in Somaliland, focusing on issues like drought-resistant crops, sustainable irrigation techniques, and pest control.

As a senior researcher specializing in horticultural crops, Mohamed Warsame Farah will contribute local expertise on sustainable farming practices and innovations tailored to the unique challenges faced by Somaliland. SIAR’s presence at the event will serve as a platform for knowledge exchange, capacity building, and networking with global research organizations. These collaborations are crucial for finding innovative solutions that will improve food security and resilience in Somaliland and beyond.

The Importance of Capacity Building and Collaboration

CGIAR Science Week 2025 is not just an opportunity to share research; it’s a chance for SIAR to strengthen its research capacity and forge new partnerships. With sessions designed to build expertise in sustainable agriculture, SIAR’s researchers will gain invaluable insights into the latest scientific developments and methodologies. This exposure will help them tackle the unique agricultural challenges in Somaliland, particularly in areas such as water scarcity, soil degradation, and the impact of climate change on farming systems.

Furthermore, the event will facilitate expert collaboration on solutions to global agricultural challenges, allowing SIAR to contribute to the CGIAR 2025-2030 Research Portfolio. Through this collaboration, SIAR will have a direct impact on the development of agricultural systems that promote food security, climate resilience, and human health in vulnerable regions.

Addressing Global Challenges: Climate, Health, and Food Security

Climate change, health, and food security are interconnected global challenges that will be front and center during CGIAR Science Week. Agriculture plays a critical role in addressing these challenges, especially in regions like Somaliland, where food security is threatened by environmental factors and limited access to resources, particularly for women.

SIAR’s involvement in the event will highlight the importance of inclusive agricultural development, particularly for women, who often face barriers to accessing agricultural inputs and services. Through its research on climate-resilient farming systems, SIAR is helping to ensure that local communities can thrive in the face of climate challenges. Additionally, SIAR’s work on improving crop varieties and livestock breeds is contributing to better nutrition and health outcomes in Somaliland.

Looking Ahead: SIAR’s Continued Impact on Agricultural Innovation

As CGIAR Science Week unfolds, SIAR’s role as a leader in agricultural research will only grow. The institute’s contributions to global agricultural solutions will help shape the future of agriculture, particularly in regions most vulnerable to the impacts of climate change and food insecurity. By participating in the CGIAR 2025-2030 Research Portfolio, SIAR is ensuring that innovations and sustainable agricultural practices will not only benefit Somaliland but also the wider global community.

With ongoing partnerships, new technologies, and research-driven solutions, SIAR will continue to drive innovation in agricultural systems and promote the resilience of communities in the Horn of Africa. The institute’s involvement in CGIAR Science Week is a critical step toward advancing the goals of sustainable development and fostering global collaboration for a better future.

Conclusion

CGIAR Science Week 2025 presents a unique opportunity for the Somaliland Institute of Agriculture Research (SIAR) to showcase its ongoing commitment to sustainable agriculture and climate resilience. By actively participating in this global event, SIAR is contributing to the shared vision of a more equitable, sustainable, and food-secure world. Through collaboration with international partners and exposure to the latest scientific advancements, SIAR will continue to shape the future of agriculture in the Horn of Africa and beyond.

This global platform emphasizes the vital role that research and innovation play in addressing the world’s most urgent agricultural challenges. As CGIAR Science Week unfolds, SIAR’s efforts will help ensure that agriculture remains a key driver of global development, supporting resilient, healthy, and sustainable food systems for generations to come.

Abdirahman Ibrahim Abdilahi

Somaliland Institute of Agriculture Research

Abdirahman270@gmail.com

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