04-12-2024 | di COOPI

Somalia. Empowering farmers in Dollow District

Ismail Abdi Osman is a dedicated farmer and father of six children in Bullo Qalooc village, a village in the Dollow District, located in the Gedo region of Somalia. The territory is characterized by an arid climate and rugged terrain. Despite the challenging environmental conditions, agriculture remains essential to the livelihoods of the local population. The district's economy primarily relies on subsistence farming and pastoralism, with communities cultivating crops and raising livestock. His life is shaped by the challenges of farming in a region where access to quality seeds is limited, and financial resources are scarce. Despite his deep passion for agriculture, Ismail encounters significant obstacles. The local markets often offer seeds of inferior quality, resulting in low germination rates and disappointing harvests. For farmers like Ismail, the high prices of better-quality seeds put them out of reach, further complicating their efforts to cultivate a successful crop and support their families.

 

My family has been in agriculture for as long as I can remember. This reflects not just a profession for me but a deep-rooted heritage that has shaped my identity and my family's way of life. I own 8 hectares of farming land where I grow staple crops like sorghum and maize and cash crops such as onions, which are vital for feeding my family and contributing to our village's economy. However, every planting season, I find myself choosing between spending what little money I have on seeds or meeting my family's immediate needs,” he shares, highlighting the tough choices he must make".

 

Thanks to the “Somalia’s Enhances Resilience Through Inclusive Economic/Market Systems Development and Climate Smart Approaches (SERECA)", Ismail has not only increased his sales and profits, but has also been able to save money to improve his economic activity. The project, financed by the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT), has increased local food production, improved dietary diversity and increased farmers' income by capitalising on the high market demand for onions. Specifically, onion seeds were distributed to 185 farmers in 4 districts of Dollow.

 

I have received 5 kg of onion seeds, and I managed to plant 3kg and save the rest for the upcoming season. After months of hard work and dedication, I harvested my first onions. The results exceeded my expectations by harvesting 30 sacks (2100 KG) of high-quality onions, a 100% increase from my last harvest. I sold the produce for 0.5$ per Kg, 20% of my earnings went to fuel expenses while 20% went to saving, and I used the rest to manage my family's needs, including health and educational expenses. The success of this harvest not only provided food for my family but opened up new opportunities for income generation.”

 he explains happily.

 

Ismail expresses his gratitude, saying, 

The support I received has transformed my life. I can now provide for my family and ensure my children have a better future. I never imagined that I could grow so much food. This is just the beginning for me. Thanks to COOPI, SomReP and the donor ANCP for paving this path to success.”

 

Ismail’s journey exemplifies the transformative power of targeted agricultural support. With the right resources and determination, he has turned his dreams into reality and proved that he will not give up despite all adversity. His story is a testament to the impact of community-focused interventions and serves as an inspiration for many in his village and beyond.

Active in Somalia since 1981, COOPI and the consortium it is part of, the Somalia Resilience Programme, have recently identified the gaps in the agricultural sector and activated meaningful support for the population.