About Us

Our History

The Somalia Rural Development Centre (SRDC) was established in 1996 by a group of Somali scholars and practitioners affiliated with the University of Guelph in Canada. The founders were driven by a shared vision to restore hope, dignity, and self-reliance among rural populations in Somalia and across Africa. Conceived as a community of practice, SRDC was created to serve as a research and knowledge hub, dedicated to generating and sharing ideas, data, and practical solutions that strengthen resilience and promote sustainable rural development.

Since its establishment, SRDC has been committed to bridging the gap between academic research and practical solutions, ensuring that scientific knowledge translates into tangible improvements in the lives of farmers, pastoralists, and rural entrepreneurs. SRDC's work focuses on key areas such as climate change adaptation, food security, natural resource management, nature-based solutions and inclusive economic growth.

By fostering collaboration among researchers, policymakers, and local communities, SRDC continues to play a pivotal role in advancing evidence-based rural development strategies. Today, the Centre remains a respected platform for innovation and dialogue—empowering rural communities to build resilience, enhance productivity, and contribute to the broader goals of peace and sustainable development in Somalia and beyond.

Our Vision

We envision a sustainable, resilient, socially stable and economically prosperous Somalia rural communities.

Our Mission

Enabling Somalia Rural People to restore their lives and livelihoods through local economic development, food security, building resilience, land and environmental stewardship.

Our Focus

Our focus is to integrate economic development, food security, and climate resilience strategies, to create a holistic and sustainable solutions that address the root causes of poverty and building more resilient and prosperous communities..

Why Rural Development Matters

Rural development is central to Somalia's future because the majority of its population—more than 60%—lives in rural areas where livelihoods depend directly on agriculture, livestock, and natural resources. These communities are the backbone of the continent’s economy, contributing significantly to food production, employment, and cultural heritage. However, they also face persistent challenges, including poverty, hunger, land degradation, limited access to infrastructure, and increasing vulnerability to climate change.

By promoting climate-smart agriculture, rural development helps farmers adapt to changing rainfall patterns, conserve soil and water, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Practices such as agroforestry, conservation tillage, crop diversification, and integrated livestock management enhance both productivity and environmental sustainability. When smallholders gain access to improved seeds, irrigation, and market opportunities, they become more capable of withstanding climate shocks while ensuring food security for their communities.

Rural development is one of the most powerful pathways to end poverty and food insecurity in Somalia. The majority of Somalia's poor live in rural areas, where agriculture and natural resources are the main sources of livelihood. Yet, decades of conflicts, underinvestment, weak government, and limited access to markets, technology, and finance have left these communities trapped in cycles of poverty and vulnerability.

A Solution for Poverty Alleviation

A solution for Climate change and Building Resilience

A solution for Displacement and Forced Migration

Rural development is a powerful solution to the growing challenge of forced migration. Across Africa and much of the developing world, millions of people are leaving rural areas in search of safety, food, and better livelihoods as poverty, insecurity, and climate change make life increasingly difficult. Many of these movements are not by choice—they are driven by desperation and the collapse of local economies that once sustained families and communities.

We are committed transforming vulnerable rural areas into vibrant, self-reliant, and sustainable communities