Training on sustainable farming, in support of local Somali farmers and a donation of medicines to Mogadishu Hospital

The CIMIC Branch (Civil and Military Cooperation) of the Italian National Support Element (IT NSE), in close cooperation with the Somali Ministry for Agriculture, organized and conducted a training activity on sustainable farming in support of local farmers. The training focused on issues like sustainable use of land, monitoring of crops and sustainable use of water resources.

In addition to the training, the activity included a distribution of seeds and farming tool kits in favor of approximately 40 displaced farmers, who returned to Bal’ad district (40 km north of Mogadishu).

The deputy Somali Minister for Agriculture and a delegation of instructors and trainees took part in the final graduation ceremony, held on November 28.

LTC Pino ROSSI of the Italian Army, Commanding Officer of the Italian National Support Element, thanked the local authorities attending and expressed the will of the Italian Contingent to sustain similar future projects in support to the local government and of the weakest amongst the Somali population, through further CIMIC projects.

Amongst these projects, a recent donation of medicines to the Mogadishu’s “Forlanini” hospital sponsored with CIMIC funds.

“Forlanini” hospital in Mogadishu was built by the Italian Government in 1928, in the midst of several conflicts. It is now undergoing reconstruction, thanks to the contribution of donors, including the Italian Contingent.

Daily interaction between medical personnel of the Italian Contingent and the local medics is in place and results in a consolidated relationship between the Italian Contingent and the Somali Ministry of Health and the Medical Staff of Mogadishu Municipality.

Support to the population is accomplished through military operators from the Multinational CIMIC Group, a Combined Joint Unit of the Italian Army, specifically designed for civil-military cooperation (CIMIC).

Source:  Italian Defence General Staff

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