The Somaliland Food Systems Resilience Project (FSRP) is excited to announce the launch of our comprehensive Community Engagement Initiative, designed to strengthen local participation and ownership in food security programs across all regions of Somaliland.
Summary of the Community Engagement Field Mission
As part of the implementation of the Somaliland Food Systems Resilience Project (SL-FSRP), the Project Coordination Unit (PCU) successfully conducted a comprehensive Community Engagement Mission across the target regions.
The mission aimed to introduce the project to local communities, enhance awareness of its objectives, and establish community-level structures to support implementation and long-term sustainability.
Mission Scope and Duration
Over a three-month period, the mission was carried out in all approved project locations, with community engagement activities successfully completed in 24 sites across eight districts.
Through these engagements, the project team—comprising representatives from the Ministry of Agriculture Development (MoAD), Ministry of Environment and Climate Change (MoECC), and Ministry of Livestock and Rural Development (MoLRD)—facilitated awareness sessions, explained the project's objectives and selection criteria, and promoted inclusive participation of women, youth, elders, and other vulnerable groups.
Key Achievements
The mission successfully established:
- Village Development Committees (VDCs) in each community
- Project Monitoring and Sustainability Committees (PMSCs) to oversee implementation
- GBV and GRM focal points designated in each site
Community Structures and Capacity Building
These newly established community structures were oriented on their roles, signed Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with the project, and now serve as key partners in coordinating and monitoring project interventions.
The approach emphasized building local capacity and ensuring community ownership from the outset, creating a sustainable foundation for long-term project success.
Mission Success
Overall, the mission achieved its objectives by strengthening community ownership, improving understanding of the project's goals, and building a strong institutional foundation for the effective implementation of subsequent activities, including Community Investment Planning (CIP).