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Mustafa
Haile

Head of Soil Health & Fertility at Somalia’s Federal Ministry of Agriculture. Advancing climate-smart agriculture, soil science policy, and international development across the Horn of Africa.

10+
Years in Agriculture & Environment
FAO
International Collaborator
MSc
Soil Science, Univ. of Nairobi

Building Sustainable Agriculture for Somalia’s Future

I am a soil scientist and agricultural policy specialist with over a decade of experience working across Somalia and East Africa. Currently serving as Head of the Department of Soil Health and Fertility at Somalia’s Federal Ministry of Agriculture & Irrigation, I lead national strategies for sustainable soil management and climate-resilient agriculture.

My work bridges rigorous science and practical policy — from laboratory soil analysis and GIS mapping to international partner coordination with FAO, UNDP, and other global development organisations. I hold a Master’s degree in Soil Science from the University of Nairobi and a Diploma in Computer Studies.

As a published researcher and field practitioner, I understand both the complexity of Somalia’s arid agroecosystems and the urgent need for evidence-based interventions. My dual expertise spans environment/climate advisory and programme coordination/management, making me effective across technical and leadership roles.

Soil ScientistPolicy AdvisorFAO CollaboratorGIS SpecialistProgramme CoordinatorPublished Researcher

Professional Experience

2024 – Present

Head, Department of Soil Health & Fertility

Federal Ministry of Agriculture & Irrigation, Somalia

Leading national soil health policy, overseeing fertility management programmes across Somalia’s agricultural regions. Coordinating with FAO, UNDP, and international partners on climate-resilient land management strategies.

Policy LeadershipSoil HealthInternational Coordination
2022 – 2024

Agricultural Scientist & FAO Collaborator

Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) — Somalia

Collaborated with FAO Somalia on climate-smart agriculture field programmes. Conducted GIS-based land-use assessments and delivered technical advisory services on soil fertility and sustainable land management.

FAOClimate-Smart AgricultureGIS Analysis
2019 – 2022

Senior Environmental & Climate Advisor

International Development Organisation — Somalia

Provided high-level advisory on environment and climate adaptation strategies. Led multi-stakeholder coordination for soil conservation and land rehabilitation projects across multiple Somali regions.

Climate AdaptationAdvisoryStakeholder Coordination
2015 – 2019

Programme Coordinator — Agriculture & NRM

NGO / Development Programme — East Africa

Coordinated natural resource management programmes across East Africa. Managed field teams, donor reporting, and M&E frameworks for sustainable agricultural development projects.

Programme ManagementNRMM&E

Areas of Specialisation

Soil Science & Fertility

  • Soil Health Assessment
  • Fertility Management
  • Laboratory Analysis
  • Soil Carbon Sequestration

Climate & Environment

  • Climate-Smart Agriculture
  • Climate Adaptation Planning
  • Environmental Impact Assessment
  • Land Rehabilitation

Geospatial & Data

  • GIS Mapping
  • Remote Sensing
  • Data Analysis
  • Computer Applications

Policy & Coordination

  • Government Policy Formulation
  • International Partner Coordination
  • Programme Design
  • M&E Frameworks

Research & Publications

Soil Health Indicators Under Dryland Farming Systems in Somalia

2023

Published Research

Assessment of key soil health parameters in Somali dryland agroecosystems, providing evidence for national soil management policy.

Climate-Smart Agriculture Practices for Smallholder Farmers in the Horn of Africa

2022

Technical Report

FAO-commissioned technical report on scalable climate-adaptation strategies for smallholder farmers across Somalia and the wider Horn of Africa.

GIS-Based Land Degradation Mapping for Sustainable Land Management Planning

2021

Research Article

Geospatial analysis of land degradation hotspots across southern Somalia, informing targeted restoration and conservation efforts.

Download My CV

I maintain two specialist CVs — one focused on environment & climate science, and one tailored for coordination & advisory roles.

Selected: Environment & Climate CV — Contact me directly to request the CV document.

Let’s Connect

Open to consulting opportunities, research collaborations, and advisory roles in agriculture, climate, soil science, and international development across Somalia and East Africa.

Email
mustafheile16@gmail.com
WhatsApp
+252 615 210 622
Location
Mogadishu, Somalia