Ethiopia’s Somali Region Poised for Change with 112,000-Hectare Irrigation Initiative

Mogadishu (AX) — Ethiopia is embarking on an ambitious venture to irrigate more than 112,000 hectares of land in its often-neglected Somali region. This initiative, greeted with enthusiasm by local communities, is seen as a pivotal step towards transforming one of the nation’s least developed territories. Orchestrated by the Ministry of Irrigation and Lowland Areas, this effort aims not only to rejuvenate arid fields but also to uplift the lives of countless residents.

Having officially unveiled the Gode Irrigation Infrastructure Project in the Shebele Zone, Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed painted it as a new dawn for the region. He reflected, “Development is the road that opens doors, betters lives, and reshapes societies,” during his inaugural speech. This noteworthy project, which is now up and running, will cultivate around 27,600 hectares of farmland, directly benefiting over 53,000 individuals. Already, crops like sesame, wheat, corn, and a selection of horticultural products are flourishing, giving a sneak peek into the area’s agricultural promise.

Abraham Belay, Ethiopia’s Minister of Irrigation and Lowland Areas, threw light on the current state of affairs by pointing out that a mere 3,500 hectares are presently under cultivation in the Somali region. This highlights a pressing need for an expanded irrigation framework. He fervently stated, “Our objective is to harness every ounce of potential this ecosystem offers, thereby revolutionizing not just the terrain but the very essence of life for its inhabitants.”

The transformative vision encompasses extensive research and meticulous design work to curate irrigation systems capable of advancing the productive capacity of over 112,000 hectares—sustainably. Ethiopia is well aware of the Somali region’s capabilities, having long been overlooked in its larger development strategy. The fertile ground and advantageous climatic conditions of the area may well turn it into a key player in fortifying national food security and propelling economic growth. Yet, achieving this vision rests heavily on significant infrastructure investments and dedicated community involvement.

The Gode project is a crucial aspect of the Ethiopian government’s grand design to usher in agricultural modernization across its lowland regions. In scaling up irrigation, the nation aspires to tackle food insecurity head-on, spur job creation, and invigorate rural economies. While there is palpable optimism surrounding these efforts, the voice of caution from experts reminds everyone that the crux of this project’s triumph lies in its sustainability and fair resource allocation.

Supporters are hopeful, seeing this as a positive step towards the future. However, only time will tell if the aspirations set forth will meet the expectations. Thus, as the world watches closely, it becomes imperative for all stakeholders to unite in ensuring that these visionary plans do not merely remain on paper but take root and flourish as a glowing testament to collective human spirit and ingenuity.

Edited by: Ali Musa

alimusa@axadletimes.com

Axadle international–Monitoring

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