Terms of Reference for Agricultural Mechanization in Somalia.                            

1.  Background.

In the recent years Somalia has experienced recurrent drought because of poor rains in the subsequent years that has threatened the livelihoods of the pastoralist and the farmers in the country. In response to these critical circumstances, the Somalia Resilience Program (SomRep) has initiated the Riverine & Pastoral Food System Strengthening (RFSS) project, generously funded by the European Union. This multifaceted project combines both infrastructural and adaptive measures, aimed at mitigating risk, enhancing food production, and bolstering market access for agricultural communities of five districts in Somalia (Luuq, Dolow, Bulo Burte, Jowhar and Afgoye). The agricultural mechanization initiative seeks to connect tractor owners with smallholder farmers through a farm equipment sharing device and application, providing access to hundreds of thousands of farmers. This initiative aligns with SomReP's commitment to explore and implement ag-tech solutions from innovative firms operating across Africa. The assessment's recommendations and business model will guide the pilot implementation of relevant ag-tech solutions in Somalia, with a focus on the agricultural areas of Afgoye and Jowhar during the 18-month crisis response program.

Shaqodoon, in collaboration with SOMRIL (Somali Response Innovation Lab), is embarking on a strategic initiative to explore and implement agricultural mechanization solutions in Somalia. The purpose is to leverage innovative technologies and sustainable business models to enhance the capacity of smallholder farmers, promote economic recovery, and stabilize the income of rural households. This collaborative effort aims to connect tractor owners with farmers through a pioneering farm equipment sharing system, contributing to increased productivity and resilience in the agricultural sector.

2.  Objectives.

The key objectives of the agricultural mechanization project are.

•       Support SomReP in understanding relevant mechanization models for agriculture in Somalia.

•       Co-design a testable pilot for mechanization involving potential solution providers and beneficiaries, attracting potential funding from other donor partners.

3.  Methodology.

The methodology encompasses.

•       Identification of breakthrough innovations through research.

•       Empathy with potential users and development of their personas.

•       Stakeholder/user-level discussions to identify potential solutions.

•       Mapping potential solutions.

•       Development of a sustainable business model and matrices for pilots.

4.          

Deliverables.

The project's deliverables include.

•       Assessment of the potential of mechanization solutions in the Somali context, validating hypotheses.

•       Development of personas for targeted groups.

•       Creation of a sustainable business model based on innovative solutions derived from the assessment.

•       One to two testable models and related activities.