Djibouti City – A Strategic Hub for Agrifood Innovation
Recently, FAO Director-General QU Dongyu embarked on a pivotal two-day mission to Djibouti, where he engaged with the nation’s top officials and explored essential agricultural and livestock facilities. This visit highlighted Djibouti’s commitment to enhancing its food security and positioning itself as a vital link in the Horn of Africa’s livestock sector. The Director-General’s discussions centered on Djibouti’s efforts to modernize agrifood systems and foster resilience in arid conditions.
High-Level Bilateral Meetings
During his stay, the Director-General held extensive meetings with key government officials, including President Ismaïl Omar Guelleh, Prime Minister Abdoulkader Kamil Mohamed, and several ministers responsible for agriculture, foreign affairs, economy, and the environment. These discussions were crucial in affirming FAO’s support for Djibouti’s aspirations for a self-sufficient economy tailored to its unique geographical and climatic conditions.
The Director-General praised Djibouti’s ambition to transform its agrifood systems, especially in terms of livestock productivity and natural resource governance. His engagements with the ministers involved detailed discussions on strategies to support pastoralist communities, enhance agricultural value chains, improve trade infrastructure, and mobilize investments through the Hand-in-Hand Initiative.
Visit to the Integrated Farm of Arta
A highlight of the mission was the visit to the Integrated Farm of Arta, a 16-hectare agro-livestock venture exemplifying modern production practices suited for Djibouti’s dry climate. The farm offers a diversified approach to production, combining poultry, goat breeding, and crop cultivation. It houses 17,000 laying hens, significantly reducing reliance on imported eggs and creating local employment opportunities.
The incorporation of fodder crops not only supports feed autonomy but also integrates fruit trees like citrus and date palms, boosting environmental resilience. FAO has played a key role in empowering this project by providing technical expertise, promoting biosecurity protocols, and training local veterinary workers to enhance animal health services.
During his tour, the Director-General emphasized the Arta farm as a scalable model for modernizing livestock systems and improving food security in arid regions, showcasing the potential for similar initiatives across the country.
Exploring the Damerjog Regional Livestock Quarantine Centre
Another critical stop was the Damerjog Regional Livestock Quarantine Centre, a significant hub for livestock exports in the Horn of Africa, processing about 1.4 million animals each year for markets in the Gulf. Since its inception in 2006, the centre has been vital for ensuring health certifications and veterinary regulations necessary for international trade.
The officials presented an investment plan to establish a modern abattoir at Damerjog, part of FAO’s Hand-in-Hand Initiative. This transformative project aims to enhance the livestock value chain by shifting focus from live animal exports to meat processing. The envisioned benefits include increased national revenues, improved meat quality and safety standards, and job creation across processing and logistics sectors.
- Value addition through meat processing instead of live exports, increasing producer incomes.
- Enhanced food safety and compliance with international standards.
- Minimized waste through efficient processing and refrigeration.
- Job creation in various related sectors, positively impacting surrounding communities.
- Optimal use of Djibouti’s strategic location and existing facilities for regional livestock trade.
The Director-General hailed this initiative as a remarkable leap towards enhancing trade and improving livelihoods within the livestock sector.
A Visit to the Djibouti Study and Research Centre
The mission also included a visit to the Djibouti Study and Research Centre (CERD), affiliated with the Ministry of Higher Education and Research. CERD is pivotal for scientific advancements in agriculture, marine science, and national development. The centre collaborates on various projects with global partners, focusing on vital aspects like seed systems and coral reef health.
During his visit, the Director-General was briefed on CERD’s activities and toured the state-of-the-art in vitro culture laboratory and acclimatization greenhouses. This initiative bridges the gap between research and practical application, playing a crucial role in advancing Djibouti’s agricultural landscape and ensuring sustainable development.