Empowering Farmers, Transforming Landscapes: Breaking the Climate-Conflict Cycle in Hirshabelle

Somalia is still grappling with the consequences of the worst drought faced in 40 years, which displaced over 1.1 million people and pushed nearly half of the country towards food insecurity. The devastating effects of climate change have depleted water sources and destroyed crops across the country. 

Farmers in Mataban, Hirshabelle State, were severely affected by the drought. They still face daily challenges that make it tough to grow enough food to feed their families. Unpredictable weather patterns, overgrazed land, unfenced farms, insufficient tools and the lack of high-quality seeds make it nearly impossible to harvest healthy crops. Insecurity and conflict in some areas around Mataban make farming even more risky. 

To address these issues, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) launched the Deegaan Bile Hirshabelle initiative in August 2022, aimed at fostering peace and stability by revolutionizing local farming practices. Through the initiative, whose name means “enhancing the environment” in Somali, several farms were rehabilitated and fenced to safeguard agricultural produce, providing a sense of security. 

Farmers also received training on sustainable practices to help their crops flourish and withstand periods of drought and other climate shocks. The improvements in sustainable agriculture will support one of the main livelihood activities in Mataban, with a view to boosting economic opportunity in the region. 

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In Mataban’s Qodqod District, many farmers struggled with a lack of knowledge about proper farming techniques. Before the initiative, many farms in Mataban were also unfenced and open to livestock encroachment, which refers to the movement of cattle, sheep, goats and other animals into areas where they are not traditionally or legally allowed to graze or roam. This can lead to various environmental and social issues, including competition for resources like water - which is already scarce - and even tensions or land disputes. 

Through the initiative, several unfenced and neglected farms in Qodqod were rehabilitated by installing fencing to prevent livestock encroachment, thus providing a sense of security and promoting sustainable agricultural livelihoods. 

After participating in the Deegaan Bile Initiative, Mahad Hirsi was able to plant and sustain crops on his now fenced farm. This initiative also equipped farmers with essential training in modern farming practices, including crop management and the use of drip irrigation systems. These skills were crucial in empowering farmers to adapt to the challenges posed by harsh climate change in Mataban District. 

For some farmers in the district, IOM installed drip irrigation systems to bring water to their lands; drip irrigation is a system that delivers water directly to the roots of plants, minimizing waste through evaporation and runoff. This method is an environmentally friendly solution that helps conserve water and can be used for various crop types. Drip irrigation is especially effective in Mataban's arid climate, as it improves and ensures efficient water usage for healthier crops. 

Deegaan Bile also focused on building capacity; 309 farmers in Mataban received training on best practices like drip irrigation, as well as crop management and other innovative water harvesting techniques like the half-moon technique, which enhances crop yields by improving water retention. These tools and techniques provide farmers with reliable access to water that is crucial for year-round crop cultivation, laying the foundation for sustainable agricultural growth.  

They also learned about modern farming techniques, as traditional methods were often insufficient to combat the region's harsh climate leading to low crop yields and food insecurity.  

Over 18 months, the Deegan Bile Initiative also assisted farmers like Ahmed Abshir, from Qofey District. On his one-hectare farmland in Mataban, Abshir has focused on cultivating lemon and mango crops. However, the farm has faced significant challenges, particularly with its infrastructure. Two large berkads (water storage containers) on his land, that are crucial for irrigation and domestic water use, were in poor condition, limiting water storage and distribution during dry periods. Inadequate fencing also exposed his crops to damage from roaming animals. 

In response to the challenges he faced, the initiative rehabilitated his two berkads to improve water collection and distribution for irrigation and domestic use. 

Additionally, fencing was installed around his farm to protect his crops from animals. This measure was crucial in safeguarding his lemon and mango crops from damage caused by goats, cattle and other livestock. 

Through Deegan Bile, farmers' cooperatives were formed to foster knowledge sharing, collaboration and better management of natural resources promoting social cohesion within the community. As an outcome of the initiative, farmers can boost food production and provide food for their families, ultimately promoting economic stability in the region. 

The Deegaan Bile Hirshabelle Initiative was implemented by IOM Somalia in collaboration with the Government of Hirshabelle State, with funding from the European Union Foreign Policy Instrument (EU-FPI).