Djibouti's Prime Minister, Abdoul Kader Kamil Mohamed, recently presided over the official launch of the "Agri Connect" project in Djibouti. The project, implemented in partnership with the World Bank Group, aims to support agricultural transformation and enhance value chains. The launch event was attended by several government officials, including the Minister of Economy and Finance, Elias Moussa Dawaleh, and the Minister of Agriculture, Water, Fisheries, and Livestock, Ridhwan Abdallah Bahdoon.
The "Agri Connect" project focuses on connecting producers to markets, financing, technology, and investment, with a particular emphasis on three priority production chains: livestock, horticulture, and palm date production. The project seeks to promote sustainable agricultural practices, improve productivity, and increase farmers' incomes. According to the Prime Minister, the project aligns with the government's commitment to transforming the agriculture and livestock sectors into productive economic sectors that can create jobs and enhance food security.
The Prime Minister highlighted the critical role of water in achieving agricultural transformation, emphasizing the need to develop modern irrigation techniques, enhance water storage capacity, and expand the use of solar energy to support sustainable agricultural production. The Minister of Economy and Finance noted that the "Agri Connect" project is consistent with the government's strategy to diversify the national economy and expand the productive sectors.
The Minister of Agriculture, Water, Fisheries, and Livestock expressed his optimism that the project will contribute to increasing productivity, enhancing the sustainability of the agricultural sector, and improving its resilience to climate change and water-related challenges. The project is also expected to support the development of agricultural infrastructure and strengthen the connection between producers and markets.
The World Bank's Vice President for the Middle East and North Africa, Afghanistan, and Pakistan, Osman Dione, reaffirmed the World Bank's commitment to supporting Djibouti's efforts to develop a more productive and sustainable agricultural sector. He emphasized the importance of partnerships between the government, private sector, financial institutions, and development partners in mobilizing investments and supporting value chains.
The launch of the "Agri Connect" project marks a significant step towards achieving Djibouti's agricultural development goals and enhancing the country's food security. The project is expected to have a positive impact on the lives of farmers, pastoralists, and other stakeholders in the agricultural sector. The government has expressed its commitment to ensuring the project's success and to continuing its efforts to promote sustainable agricultural practices.
The "Agri Connect" project is a key initiative aimed at supporting Djibouti's economic development and reducing its dependence on imports. The project's success is expected to contribute to the country's economic growth, improve living standards, and enhance the overall well-being of its citizens.
Key points
- The project aims to support agricultural transformation and enhance value chains in Djibouti.
- The project focuses on three priority production chains: livestock, horticulture, and palm date production.
- The World Bank has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Djibouti's efforts to develop a more productive and sustainable agricultural sector.