In the arid yet resilient landscapes of Somaliland, a quiet revolution in agriculture is beginning to unfold.
African Food Security (AFS), a New York-based agribusiness firm, has launched a transformative initiative aimed at cultivating sustainable, community-led farming across the region.
More than a farming venture, the project seeks to foster food sovereignty, climate resilience, and long-term regional partnerships.
Established in 2024, AFS belongs to a new generation of agricultural investors committed to unlocking the potential of Africa’s vast but underutilized farmland. With a focus on sustainability, the company is targeting regions heavily reliant on food imports and exposed to the growing threats of climate change.
Somaliland offers fertile ground for such innovation. While much of its population depends on livestock and smallholder farming, infrastructure and support remain limited. AFS’s arrival signals renewed potential to bridge that gap.
“Our work starts with people, not just land,” said Alan Kessler, CEO of African Food Security.
“We begin by listening—through community consultations and environmental assessments—because meaningful agriculture is rooted in shared vision and mutual progress,” he added.
In recent months, AFS has commenced feasibility studies and soil assessments, working hand-in-hand with local agronomists and experts.
The initiative embraces climate-smart agricultural techniques, including drought-resistant crop varieties, water conservation systems, and inclusive outgrower programmes designed to empower smallholder farmers through cooperative networks.
Local authorities have applauded AFS’s holistic and community-first approach. The company’s emphasis on sustainability, local employment, and environmental care is being hailed as a blueprint for responsible agribusiness development across the region.
The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) has identified agricultural infrastructure as key to Somaliland’s long-term food security. AFS’s strategy aligns with this imperative, integrating indigenous knowledge with modern, eco-friendly solutions to build a self-sustaining agricultural economy.
Experts in agroecology agree. “Lasting food security is built on models that respect both ecosystems and communities,” said Dr. Fola Ajibade, a prominent West African agroecologist. “AFS’s approach signals a promising shift toward inclusive, resilient agribusiness.”
Kessler reaffirmed the company’s long-haul vision: “This isn’t a short-term investment. We’re here to build trust, nurture partnerships, and contribute to a regenerative future—hand in hand with the people of Somaliland.”
With groundwork already underway and strong local engagement, African Food Security is positioning itself at the forefront of a new chapter in regional agriculture—one where the soil is honoured, the people are central, and growth serves the greater good.
