KAALO Aid and Development successfully organized a Trade Expo for Agricultural Products in Gaalkacyo, Puntland, bringing together farmers’ cooperatives, fodder producers, milk producers, traders, agribusiness actors, and government representatives to showcase local agricultural products and strengthen market opportunities across the region. The event served as an important platform for promoting agricultural development, enhancing trade linkages, and supporting the growth of local food systems.
The Expo attracted a diverse range of participants from across the agricultural value chain, creating opportunities for producers, buyers, traders, and policymakers to engage, exchange knowledge, and explore new partnerships. The gathering reflected the growing importance of agriculture as a key driver of economic growth, food security, and resilience in Puntland.
Senior government officials attended the event, including the Regional Coordinators of the Ministry of Agriculture and the Ministry of Livestock, the Deputy Mayor of Gaalkacyo, and the Deputy Governor of Mudug Region. Their participation demonstrated the government’s commitment to supporting agricultural development and creating an enabling environment for farmers, cooperatives, and private sector actors to thrive.
The Trade Expo provided a valuable opportunity for agricultural cooperatives to showcase a wide range of locally produced goods, including fresh produce, livestock-related products, dairy products, and fodder. By highlighting the quality and diversity of local agricultural production, the event aimed to increase market visibility and create stronger connections between producers and potential buyers.
Agriculture remains one of the most important sectors for livelihoods and economic development in Somalia. Thousands of households depend on farming, livestock production, and related activities as their primary source of income. Strengthening agricultural markets and improving access to business opportunities are therefore essential for increasing productivity, generating employment, and improving household resilience.
One of the key objectives of the Expo was to enhance regional agricultural production by encouraging innovation, knowledge sharing, and collaboration among stakeholders. Participants discussed challenges and opportunities within the agricultural sector and explored practical solutions to improve production, value addition, market access, and competitiveness.
The event also focused on strengthening trade and market linkages between farmers, cooperatives, traders, and agribusiness enterprises. Strong market systems play a crucial role in ensuring that producers can sell their products at fair prices while consumers gain access to locally produced and nutritious food products.
Discussions throughout the Expo highlighted the importance of investing in agriculture as a pathway toward sustainable development. Stakeholders emphasized the need for continued support to farmers and producers through improved infrastructure, access to finance, technical training, climate-smart agricultural practices, and market development initiatives.
The Expo further underscored the critical role of agriculture in strengthening food systems and improving food security. Supporting local production contributes to increased food availability, reduced dependency on imports, and enhanced resilience against economic and climate-related shocks affecting communities across the region.
Beyond economic benefits, agricultural development creates opportunities for entrepreneurship, job creation, and community empowerment. By supporting cooperatives and small-scale producers, initiatives such as this Trade Expo help build sustainable livelihoods and contribute to broader social and economic development outcomes.
The event concluded with a shared commitment among stakeholders to continue promoting local agricultural production, expanding market opportunities, and strengthening partnerships that support sustainable growth within the agricultural sector. Participants expressed optimism about the future of agriculture in Puntland and the potential for increased collaboration among government institutions, producers, traders, and development partners.
KAALO Aid and Development implemented this initiative under the BRCiS-TERRA Programme with funding support from SIDA. Through its continued investment in resilient livelihoods and sustainable economic development, the programme seeks to strengthen agricultural systems, improve food security, and create lasting opportunities for communities across Puntland.
The Trade Expo also reflected the spirit of the “No Empty Bajaj” initiative, promoting economic activity, market participation, and income-generating opportunities that contribute to stronger and more prosperous communities.
