In the heart of the Horn of Africa, Somalia faces a daunting challenge: balancing agricultural growth with environmental sustainability. A recent study published in the journal Discover Food, which translates to ‘Explore Food’, sheds light on the intricate dance between agricultural production, institutional quality, and environmental degradation in the region. Led by Omar Ahmedqani Hussein, a faculty member at SIMAD University’s Faculty of Economics, the research offers insights that could reshape how we approach sustainable development in Somalia and beyond.
The study, which spans three decades of data from 1990 to 2020, employs advanced econometric models, including the Autoregressive Distributed Lag (ARDL) and Dynamic Ordinary Least Squares (OLS) models, to unravel the complex relationships between agriculture, institutions, energy consumption, domestic investment, and environmental degradation. The findings are stark and revealing.
“Our analysis shows that agricultural production has a significant and direct impact on environmental degradation,” Hussein explains. “However, the relationship is not one-sided. Institutions play a pivotal role in either mitigating or exacerbating these effects.”
The research highlights a strong bidirectional relationship between institutional quality and environmental degradation. This means that as institutions strengthen, they can help protect the environment, but environmental degradation can also weaken institutions, creating a vicious cycle. Moreover, the study identifies a unidirectional effect of agriculture on the environment, underscoring the urgent need for sustainable farming practices.
For the energy sector, the implications are profound. The study’s findings suggest that promoting clean energy could be a game-changer in Somalia’s quest for sustainable development. By reducing reliance on fossil fuels, Somalia can mitigate environmental degradation while fostering economic growth. This presents a unique opportunity for energy companies to invest in renewable energy projects, not just as a corporate social responsibility initiative, but as a strategic business move.
The call to action is clear: enhance institutional quality, promote sustainable agricultural practices, and adopt clean energy. These steps are not just about environmental conservation; they are about building a resilient economy that can withstand the challenges of climate change and resource scarcity.
As Hussein puts it, “The future of Somalia’s environment and economy is intertwined. By making strategic investments in institutions and clean energy, we can secure a sustainable future for all.”
The research published in Discover Food, offers a roadmap for policymakers, investors, and stakeholders in the energy sector. It’s a call to action, a wake-up call, and a beacon of hope for a sustainable future in Somalia. The findings could shape future developments in the field, encouraging more studies on the interplay between agriculture, institutions, and the environment in other regions. As we look to the future, it’s clear that the path to sustainability is paved with strategic investments, innovative policies, and a deep understanding of the complex relationships that shape our world.