The livestock sector is the backbone of Somalia’s economy, contributing significantly to the country’s GDP and providing livelihoods to millions of people. However, several challenges have hindered the sector’s growth and development, including poor animal health, low productivity, weak institutional support, and limited market access. Thus, there is a need to build the capacity of agro-pastoralists and extension agents in sustainable livestock value chain management to improve the resilience of the sector.

This training program aims to improve the knowledge and skills of 20 agro-pastoralists and extension agents in sustainable livestock value chain management in Somalia. The training program will address the challenges faced by the livestock sector in Somalia, including poor animal health, low productivity, weak institutional support, and limited market access. The program will be implemented by Green Somali Initiative (GSI) in partnership with the Ministry of Livestock forestry and Rangeland, with funding from Zora. The training program will be conducted over eight days at the Royal Plaza in Mogadishu, Somalia.

1.      Context

Somalia’s livestock sector is vital to the country’s economy, providing employment and income to millions of people. However, the sector faces several challenges that hinder its growth and development. These challenges include poor animal health, low productivity, weak institutional support, and limited market access. The training program aims to address these challenges by improving the knowledge and skills of agro-pastoralists and extension agents in sustainable livestock value chain management.

3.1. Rationale:

The training program is essential because it will improve the knowledge and skills of agro-pastoralists and extension agents in sustainable livestock value chain management. The program will promote sustainable livestock practices that conserve natural resources and protect the environment. The program will also increase the resilience of the livestock sector to the impacts of climate change and other challenges faced by the sector.

2.     Objectives

The main objective of the training program is to build the capacity of agro-pastoralists and extension agents in sustainable livestock value chain management.

The specific objectives are:

1. To increase awareness of sustainable livestock practices
2. To provide training on livestock value chain management
3. To build the capacity of agro-pastoralists and extension agents to adopt sustainable livestock practices
4. To promote sustainable livestock practices that conserve natural resources and protect the environment
5. To improve market access for livestock products
6. To promote agro-pastoralists who are:
7. Proud of their occupation.
8. Independent in thinking.

• Constructive in outlook.

1. Capable, efficient and self-reliant in character.

3.     Expected Results

The expected results of the training program are:

• Increased awareness of sustainable livestock practices
• Improved knowledge and skills on livestock value chain management among agro-pastoralists and extension agents
• Increased capacity of agro-pastoralists and extension agents to adopt sustainable livestock practices
• Promotion of sustainable livestock practices that conserve natural resources and protect the environment
• Improved market access for livestock products

4.     Methodology:

The training program will be conducted through lectures, interactive sessions, and practical exercises. The program will be participatory and will encourage active participation from the participants. The program will also include

• Theoretical Presentation understanding climate risk management
• Participatory learning approach and effective presentation skills that can make both literacy and illiteracy participants active during the training sessions
• Group presentation solutions
• Pre-storming and plenary discussions.
• Sharing experiences.
• Recommended readings and videos
• field demonstrations that will make it easier for participants to understand the sessions (Practical exercise)

5.     Planning Activities:

The planning activities for the training program will include identifying the training needs of the participants, developing the training curriculum, and selecting the venue for the training. The planning activities will also include identifying the logistics and materials required for the training, such as training materials, transportation, and accommodation.

6.     Organizational:

The training program will be organized by Green Somali Initiative (GSI) in partnership with the Ministry of Livestock forestry and Rangeland. GSI is a local non-governmental organization that focuses on sustainable agriculture and natural resource management. The Ministry of Livestock forestry and Rangeland is a government agency responsible for the development and management of the livestock sector in Somalia.

7.     Funding:

The training program will be funded by zora. Zora has a commitment to supporting ecosystem restoration and climate change through environmental sustainability in developing countries

8.     Date and Venue:

The training program and specific dates of the program will be determined in consultation with staekholders.

9.     Participants:

The participants in the training program will be 15 agro-pastoralists and 5 extension agents from Ministry and academic institutions in Mogadishu, Somalia. 20 participants are expected to attend the training. The participants will be selected based on specific criteria, including their willingness to participate in the program and their commitment to improving their agricultural practices.

10.Materials or Logistic Requirements:

The materials and logistic requirements for the training program will include:

• Training materials, including handouts, manuals, and presentations
• Field visit logistics, including transportation and accommodation
• Venue logistics, including participant incentives, Lunch and refreshments, and venue commence

11.Workplan and Timeline:

The training program will be conducted over eight days. The following is a tentative workplan and timeline for the program:

Day 1: Introduction to Sustainable Livestock Practices and Program Objectives

Day 2: Livestock feed and nutrition management

Day 3: Livestock value addition and processing

Day 4: Sustainable livestock production systems

Day 5: Climate change adaptation and mitigation in livestock production

Day 6: Market analysis and trends for Somali livestock products

Day 7: Marketing channels and distribution networks for Somali livestock products

Day 8: Review of the Program, Feedback from Participants, and Closing Ceremony