Aquaculture for food security and climate resilience in Somalia: Opportunities, challenges, adaptive pathways and policy recommendations

Abdi M. H. S., Seidu I., Bajpai M., Sivakumar A.

Bioresource Technology Reports, cilt.33, 2026 (ESCI, Scopus) identifier

  • Yayın Türü: Makale / Tam Makale
  • Cilt numarası: 33
  • Basım Tarihi: 2026
  • Doi Numarası: 10.1016/j.biteb.2025.102480
  • Dergi Adı: Bioresource Technology Reports
  • Derginin Tarandığı İndeksler: Emerging Sources Citation Index (ESCI), Scopus
  • Anahtar Kelimeler: Aquaculture, Climate resilience, Food security, Somalia, Sustainable Livelihoods
  • Kocaeli Üniversitesi Adresli: Evet

Özet

Somalia faces chronic food insecurity driven by drought, climate shocks, conflict, and weak institutions. Aquaculture offers a climate-resilient option to improve food availability, support livelihoods, and diversify diets. This case study reviews peer-reviewed literature (2000–2025) and major institutional reports to assess aquaculture feasibility using the FAO Food Security Framework and Social-Ecological Systems resilience theory. Findings highlight opportunities for climate-smart systems, including recirculating aquaculture (RAS), integrated models, and hardy species such as Nile tilapia and African catfish. Key barriers include limited data, technical capacity, infrastructure, and cultural acceptance. Recent policy developments, such as the 2023 Law of Fisheries Management and Development, signal growing institutional commitment, but regulatory and value-chain gaps persist. Recommended pathways include small pilot projects, diaspora investment, cold-chain improvements, and a national aquaculture strategy. With targeted innovation and policy support, aquaculture could become a cornerstone of Somalia's climate-resilient food system.