Agroecology as an innovation in farming systems in South-Central Somalia

Since the collapse of the government of Siad Barre in 1991, Somalia has faced immense humanitarian and development challenges due to protracted conflict, drought and land degradation. In response to these challenges, the UK Department for International Development (DFID) is currently funding an innovative NGO consortium to implement the Building Resilient Communities in Somalia (BRCiS) programme. In this programme a focus is being made on developing community-based resilience models targeting the four main BRCiS beneficiary groups: 1) pastoralist and destitute pastoralist; 2) riverine agro-pastoralist; 3) urban poor (both IDPs and marginalized groups) and; 4) returnees.

This action research-based PhD project will complement and BRCiS process and work in partnership with the BRCiS consortium to investigate the interface of natural-resource-based livelihoods, food security and resilience. The PhD research will provide critical analysis and understanding of pastoralist, riverine agro-pastoralist and peri-urban livelihoods through the prism of agroecology as a tool of innovation. In addition, the PhD candidate will also work with key government ministries in Mogadishu to maximize the institutional capacity building and policy-making processes that are being generated from the BRCiS programme.

CAWR is driving innovative, transdisciplinary research on the understanding and development of resilient food and water systems internationally. The Centre’s research develops and integrates new knowledge in social, agroecological, hydrological and environmental processes, as well as the pivotal role that communities play in developing resilience. Unique to this Centre is the incorporation of citizen-generated knowledge - the participation of farmers, water users and other citizens in transdisciplinary research, using holistic approaches which cross many disciplinary boundaries. CAWR also aims to advance resilience science through creative work on the governance of food systems, hydrological change, urban water, river processes, water quality and emerging pollutants.