Zamzam University Leads Somalia’s Fight Against Food Insecurity

 Zamzam University Leads Somalia’s Fight Against Food Insecurity

Zamzam University of Science and Technology (ZUST) in Mogadishu is taking a leading role in addressing Somalia’s long-standing food security challenges. Supported by Turkish institutions like TIKA and IHH, the university’s Faculty of Agriculture has introduced modern farming technologies — including greenhouse cultivation — to boost local agricultural production.

ZUST Rector Mohamud Mohamed Hassan Harbi said the university is proud to be the first in Somalia to pioneer greenhouse farming, producing crops such as tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers, bananas, and mangoes. These efforts have significantly improved food availability in Mogadishu and beyond.

The initiative traces back to 2011, following Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan’s historic visit to Somalia. Since then, ZUST has focused on training a new generation of qualified farmers through short courses and diploma programs, officially launching its Faculty of Agriculture in 2014.

Over the past decade, the university has produced skilled farmers now working with the Somali Ministry of Agriculture and regional authorities to enhance food production. By teaching modern techniques and efficient water usage, ZUST has become a cornerstone in Somalia’s journey toward self-sufficiency.

Deputy Dean Abdirizak Mohamed Sheikh Abdi noted that crops like corn, sesame, and wheat are now grown multiple times a year — a major achievement in a country once dependent on rainfed farming.

“If the right steps continue,” Abdi said, “there will be no famine or food crisis in Somalia.”