On Monday, September 21, 2026, Djibouti's Minister of Agriculture and Water Resources, Redwan Abdallah Bhdon, presided over a workshop at the Sheraton Hotel to validate the National Agricultural Development Strategy for 2026-2031. The event was organized in collaboration with the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD). The workshop was attended by high-ranking officials, including Omar Hussein, Minister Delegate for Decentralization, and representatives from various national and international institutions.
In his opening speech, Minister Bhdon emphasized that the workshop marked a crucial milestone in drawing lessons from previous initiatives and shaping the future partnership with IFAD. He highlighted the country's challenges, including water scarcity, recurring droughts, and limited arable land. The Minister stressed that these constraints require innovative and effective solutions to build a more resilient and productive rural sector.
Minister Bhdon cited the directives of President Ismaïl Omar Guelleh, who emphasized the importance of water for productive agriculture and food security. The Minister commended the achievements of the partnership with IFAD, particularly the Rural Agricultural Development Program, which has contributed to mobilizing water resources and developing rural infrastructure.
The Minister outlined three key priorities for future action: enhancing production and resilience through investments in water and veterinary services, developing value chains, and making rural areas attractive for investment and youth innovation. He also emphasized the need for the new strategic program to align with Djibouti's Vision 2035, the National Development Plan (2025-2030), and national strategies for food security and rural development.
The Regional Director of IFAD expressed her appreciation for the effective collaboration with the Djiboutian government and highlighted the encouraging results of the 13th IFAD replenishment. She looked forward to strengthening the impact of IFAD's interventions in the 14th replenishment cycle.
The workshop brought together a range of stakeholders, including representatives from the Ministry of Economy and Finance, the Ministry of Agriculture, and various international organizations. The event provided a platform for participants to discuss and validate the National Agricultural Development Strategy, which aims to address the country's agricultural challenges and promote sustainable development.
The new strategic program will focus on transforming aspirations into tangible investments that improve the living conditions of rural communities in Djibouti. The program is expected to have a lasting impact on the country's agricultural sector and contribute to achieving the country's development goals.
Key points
- The workshop aimed to validate the National Agricultural Development Strategy for 2026-2031.
- The strategy seeks to address Djibouti's agricultural challenges, including water scarcity and limited arable land.
- The program will focus on enhancing production and resilience, developing value chains, and promoting youth innovation in rural areas.
