Strengthening Climate-Resilient Agriculture: TAAT Supervision Mission Visits AFREC Research Station in Baidoa;
In January 2026, African Agricultural and Forestry Research Center (AFREC) hosted a high-level field visit as part of the Technologies for African Agricultural Transformation (TAAT) Sorghum and Millet Compact Supervision Mission to Somalia. The visit provided an important opportunity to showcase AFREC’s research capacity, ongoing crop adaptation trials, and its contribution to building climate-resilient agricultural systems in Somalia.
The mission delegation included representatives from ICRISAT, the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Irrigation (FMoAI), TAAT Sorghum and Millet Compact leadership, and private sector partners. During the visit to Baidoa, the team toured AFREC’s experimental research station, which is located in a low-rainfall agro-ecological zone receiving approximately 250 mm of annual rainfall — an area increasingly affected by prolonged droughts.
Showcasing Applied Research and Innovation
At the AFREC research station, the mission observed a range of crop adaptation experiments covering cereals, vegetables, and legumes. These trials are designed to assess the performance of improved and climate-resilient varieties under Somali harsh environmental conditions. The research plots were well organized and supported by a dedicated technical team actively engaged in agronomic management and systematic data collection using drip irrigation systems.
Particular attention was drawn to the strong performance of ICRISAT millet and sorghum varieties, including the Pearl Millet variety Chakty, which demonstrated promising adaptation and vigor under water-stressed conditions. These results highlight the potential of improved germplasm to enhance food security and farmer resilience in drought-prone areas of Somalia. Another crop that stood out during the visit was orange-fleshed sweet potato, which demonstrated impressive adaptability, strong yield potential, and remarkable resilience under water-stressed conditions.
Strong Partnerships for Agricultural Transformation
AFREC’s research activities benefit from diverse sources of planting materials, including international research institutions such as ICRISAT, CIMMYT, the World Vegetable Center, and the International Potato Center. This collaborative approach strengthens Somali national research system and accelerates the testing and localization of improved technologies
During the field visit, the mission team provided technical guidance on experimental design and data collection protocols, reinforcing AFREC’s role as a key national partner for adaptive research and technology validation under the TAAT framework.
Looking Ahead
The visit reaffirmed AFREC’s strategic importance in advancing crop improvement, seed system development, and climate-smart agriculture in Somalia. Strengthening research capacity, expanding adaptive trials, and formalizing partnerships with national and international stakeholders remain critical steps toward delivering sustainable agricultural solutions for Somali farmers.
AFREC remains committed to working closely with FMoAI and its state members, TAAT, CGIAR centers, International agencies and private sector partners to scale up research-driven innovations that address food security challenges and build resilience in the face of climate change.
