In a strategic effort to enhance food security and agricultural resilience, the Somaliland Institute of Agricultural Research (SIAR) has launched a critical initiative focused on sustaining improved crop varieties sourced from two leading international research centers: the International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT) and the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA).
The program introduces a diverse selection of improved seeds, including 32 varieties of pigeon pea—16 short-duration and 16 medium-duration—alongside 25 varieties each of sorghum and pearl millet from ICRISAT. Additionally, 122 cowpea varieties have been provided by IITA. These improved varieties are valued for their high yield potential, drought tolerance, and resistance to pests. Their successful integration into Somaliland’s farming systems holds significant promise for improving productivity and ensuring food availability.
To achieve this, the initiative emphasizes the need for sustainable seed systems encompassing multiplication, preservation, and distribution. Tima Cadde and Amoud Universities—both equipped with irrigation infrastructure—will play vital roles in maintaining the sustainability of these seeds. Each university will receive 100 to 150 grams per variety, to be cultivated under controlled conditions with strict attention to seed purity, traceability, and quality assurance. Every seed packet will be labeled with key details, including entry number, variety name, and crop type, to prevent misidentification and contamination.
The entire cultivation process—from planting through to harvesting, threshing, and storage—will be carefully monitored. Universities are expected to implement rigorous field management practices, including proper irrigation, weed control, and bird deterrence. After harvesting, 25% of each kilogram of seed produced must be returned to SIAR for repackaging and redistribution to additional farming communities.
“This is the only way these improved seeds can be preserved, sustained, and made accessible across the country,” SIAR program coordinators emphasize. “We envision a continuous cycle of seed sustainability that strengthens food security and positions our institutions as key players in agricultural innovation.”
In addition to improved varieties, the program also prioritizes the conservation of traditional landraces. Efforts will be made to purify and preserve indigenous crop varieties to maintain biodiversity and build resilience. A long-term goal of the initiative is to establish a national seed bank—potentially equipped with cold storage facilities—to safeguard both local and international seeds for future generations.
The program will initially be implemented at Tima Cadde and Amoud Universities, with plans to expand to the University of Hargeisa. Although the University of Hargeisa does not currently operate a farm, its involvement in policy dialogue and program development is considered essential. Further discussions are also underway with institutions in Burco and Ceerigaabo.
Collaboration with the Ministry of Agricultural Development (MOAD) is a key component of the initiative. Under this partnership, SIAR provides the seeds and technical expertise, while MOAD contributes land and labor. The goal is to multiply the seeds for broader distribution and eventual adoption by local farming communities.
Looking ahead, once the foundational phase proves successful, additional improved crop varieties will be introduced through agronomic trials and performance evaluations. Pest resistance screening, especially against threats such as weevils, will also be a critical part of the program to ensure the long-term success of the introduced varieties.
Through these collaborative efforts between SIAR, MOAD, and Somaliland’s academic institutions, the country is laying the groundwork for a sustainable and forward-looking agricultural future—one seed at a time.
By Abdirahman Ibrahim Abdilahi
