Mukhtaar Caydiid

I am a development and business leader with over a decade of progressive experience in international development, agriculture, climate resilience, and private sector growth across Somaliland and the Horn of Africa. Currently, as Cold Storage Manager for Pharo Ventures, I am leading an initiative to build a commercially sustainable cold chain for the agricultural and fisheries sectors. Having served the Pharo Foundation for over seven years, I possess deep institutional knowledge of its programs and strategic ambitions. I am passionate about building institutions, creating economic opportunities, and delivering lasting impact for Somaliland's long-term prosperity.

1. 1

   Independent Researcher

   Hargeisa

   2025 — 2026 · Hargeisa · 1 yr

   • Initiated a comprehensive study on urban flood risk, environmental hazards, and climate vulnerability in Hargeisa.
   • Utilized GIS mapping, hydrological modeling, and field surveys to assess environmental risks and infrastructure gaps.
   • Engaged with municipal authorities and community stakeholders to support evidence-based environmental and social planning.
   • Aimed to identify climate-resilient mitigation measures aligned with urban development and infrastructure planning.
2. PV

   Cold Storage Manager

   Present

   Pharo Ventures · Somaliland

   2024 — Present · Somaliland · 2 yrs

   • Lead the development of a cold chain investment strategy to reduce post-harvest losses and improve market access for agricultural and fisheries value chains in Somaliland.
   • Manage comprehensive market assessments to evaluate demand for cold storage services across key commodities including vegetables, fruits, dairy, meat, and fisheries.
   • Conduct business and financial feasibility analyses to determine optimal facility locations, storage capacity, and pricing models for commercial sustainability.
   • Coordinate the design and planning of cold storage infrastructure, equipment specifications, energy solutions, and logistics systems.
   • Collaborate with internal and external partners to establish strategic partnerships and develop a scalable cold chain ecosystem.
3. PF

   Agriculture Development Manager

   Pharo Foundation · Somaliland

   2023 — 2024 · Somaliland · 1 yr

   • Led the planning, implementation, and monitoring of agricultural development programs focused on enhancing productivity, food security, and income for smallholder farmers.
   • Provided technical advisory and hands-on support to farmers on climate-smart agriculture, soil fertility management, and sustainable farming systems.
   • Strengthened farmer groups, cooperatives, and producer organizations to improve collective action, market access, and bargaining power.
   • Promoted market-oriented agriculture by linking farmers with input suppliers, traders, and processors to enhance value chain development.
   • Supervised and mentored field officers and extension staff, providing technical guidance and performance support to enhance program delivery and impact.
4. PF

   Senior Agriculture Development Officer

   Pharo Foundation · Somaliland

   2022 — 2023 · Somaliland · 1 yr

   • Provided technical leadership in identifying, assessing, and promoting market-driven agricultural value chains with high potential for income generation and employment.
   • Conducted value chain assessments, market analyses, and feasibility studies to identify investment opportunities and market access challenges.
   • Strengthened the capacity of farmer groups and cooperatives on organizational management, governance, quality assurance, and collective marketing.
   • Organized and delivered technical training programs on Good Agricultural Practices (GAPs), post-harvest management, and market-oriented production.
   • Collected, analyzed, and reported agricultural and market data to support evidence-based decision-making and strategic planning.
5. CP

   Consultant, Irrigation and Infrastructure Design

   ClearSky Power · Somaliland

   2021 — 2022 · Somaliland · 1 yr

   • Conducted comprehensive remote feasibility studies, technical assessments, and engineering analyses for irrigation and water infrastructure projects.
   • Performed detailed hydrological, environmental, and water resource assessments using field data and satellite information to support sustainable infrastructure planning.
   • Integrated environmental safeguards, climate adaptation measures, and risk mitigation strategies into infrastructure designs to enhance sustainability and resilience.
   • Developed technical guidance materials and delivered virtual training sessions for engineers and technicians on irrigation system design and water resource management.
   • Collaborated with project managers and engineers to troubleshoot technical challenges and strengthen project delivery.
6. UW

   Vice-President

   Present

   United World Colleges (UWC) National Committee · Somaliland

   2018 — Present · Somaliland · 8 yrs

   • Facilitated the placement of over 40 Somaliland students into fully funded scholarship programs across 18+ United World Colleges campuses worldwide.
   • Led the identification, recruitment, assessment, and selection of high-achieving students for highly competitive international scholarships.
   • Designed and coordinated nationwide student outreach and awareness campaigns, increasing access to scholarship opportunities for talented students from diverse backgrounds.
   • Provided mentorship, guidance, and individualized support to scholarship recipients throughout the application, placement, and transition phases.
   • Represented Somaliland within the global UWC network, contributing to initiatives aimed at expanding educational opportunities and promoting intercultural understanding.
7. PF

   Agriculture Development Officer

   Pharo Foundation · Somaliland

   2018 — 2021 · Somaliland · 3 yrs

   • Delivered comprehensive technical extension services to smallholder farmers on crop production, soil fertility, pest management, and irrigation.
   • Planned and facilitated farmer training programs and field demonstrations on Good Agricultural Practices (GAPs) and climate-smart agriculture.
   • Facilitated the formation and capacity development of farmer groups and cooperatives to improve collective marketing, governance, and bargaining power.
   • Supported value chain development by linking farmers with input suppliers, traders, processors, and financial institutions.
   • Promoted the adoption of environmentally sustainable farming technologies, including organic fertilizers and water-efficient irrigation systems.
8. EA

   Project Manager

   Energy Action Partners · Somaliland

   2017 — 2018 · Somaliland · 1 yr

   • Led the end-to-end development and implementation of solar mini-grid and off-grid renewable energy projects.
   • Conducted technical assessments, energy demand surveys, and site feasibility studies to identify suitable project locations.
   • Designed and reviewed solar photovoltaic (PV) system configurations, load calculations, and system sizing to ensure optimal performance and reliability.
   • Managed project budgets, procurement processes, contractor performance, and implementation schedules, ensuring timely delivery.
   • Developed and delivered training programs on energy literacy, solar system operation, and productive use of energy.
9. EU

   Project Coordinator

   EARTH University · Costa Rica

   2016 — 2017 · Costa Rica · 1 yr

   • Led and supervised planimetric and altimetric surveys across university farms, generating topographical data for agricultural planning.
   • Trained and mentored over 200 undergraduate students in land surveying techniques, hydraulic calculations, and irrigation system planning.
   • Organized and facilitated technical workshops and field learning activities for students and local farmers on sustainable agriculture and soil fertility management.
   • Promoted the adoption of environmentally sustainable agricultural practices, including compost production and soil conservation techniques.
   • Collaborated with faculty and researchers to implement agricultural development initiatives and strengthen farmer outreach programs.
10. V

    Project Officer

    VIOGAZ · Costa Rica, Honduras, Nicaragua

    2015 — 2016 · Costa Rica, Honduras, Nicaragua · 1 yr

    • Conducted monitoring and evaluation for more than 200 installed biodigester systems, including performance assessments and technical reviews.
    • Coordinated the installation, testing, and performance evaluation of innovative biogas technologies, including piloting the HOMEBIOGAS system in Costa Rica.
    • Assisted in the design and commissioning of anaerobic digestion systems with production capacities of up to 50 m³ of biogas per day.
    • Performed carbon footprint assessments and greenhouse gas emission analyses, identifying practical mitigation and carbon offset strategies.
    • Prepared technical reports, performance analyses, and project documentation for stakeholders in Costa Rica, Honduras, and Nicaragua.
11. AC

    Co-Founder and Finance Manager

    AYNI CHIPS · Costa Rica

    2014 — 2016 · Costa Rica · 2 yrs

    • Co-led the development of the company's business concept and coordinated comprehensive business, operational, financial, and marketing plans.
    • Managed all financial operations, including budgeting, financial planning, cash flow management, and accounting to ensure profitability.
    • Conducted extensive market research, customer interviews, and demand assessments to identify target markets and optimize product positioning.
    • Prepared and presented monthly financial and performance reports with strategic insights to inform business decisions.
    • Collaborated with a multidisciplinary team to drive business strategy, resulting in a profitable business operation.