In a significant step toward enhancing rural development and public awareness, the Somaliland Ministry of Livestock and Rural Development and the Ministry of Information, Culture, and Awareness have announced a collaborative initiative to produce high-quality educational programs for broadcast on Somaliland National Television and Radio Hargeisa. The announcement follows a pivotal meeting between the ministries’ Directors General, Mr. Ahmed Osman Jama (Tala-same) and Mr. Abdisalan Mahmoud Duale (Ilka-case), held in Hargeisa.
The meeting, attended by department directors and officials from both ministries, focused on strengthening inter-ministerial cooperation to address the needs of Somaliland’s pastoralist communities, which constitute a significant portion of the population. With over 70% of Somalilanders relying on agriculture and livestock for their livelihoods, the initiative aims to deliver targeted programs that educate and inform rural communities about critical issues such as livestock economics, drought resilience, climate change adaptation, and animal health.
Key objectives of the partnership include:
– Enhancing Media Outreach: Developing regular, high-quality programs to be aired on national television and radio, ensuring vital information reaches pastoralist communities across Somaliland.
– Raising Public Awareness: Providing knowledge and resources to improve rural livelihoods, with a focus on sustainable practices and economic opportunities in the livestock sector.
– Addressing Regional Needs: Tailoring content to meet the specific challenges faced by rural areas, particularly those affected by climate change and resource scarcity.
Both Directors General emphasized the importance of a coordinated approach to ensure accurate and impactful communication. “This partnership will enable us to deliver reliable information and practical solutions to our pastoralist communities, empowering them to thrive in challenging conditions,” said Ahmed Osman Jama. Abdisalan Mahmoud Duale added, “By leveraging national media platforms, we can ensure that every region of Somaliland benefits from these programs.”
The ministries have committed to developing a clear action plan to sustain this collaboration, with a focus on creating consistent, effective, and accessible content. This initiative aligns with Somaliland’s broader goals of modernizing its agricultural sector and improving rural livelihoods.
This partnership marks a proactive step toward addressing food insecurity and climate challenges in Somaliland, fostering resilience and sustainability for its rural communities.