Mogadishu (AX) — In the heart of Galdogob, Mudug, a swarm of young folks are leveraging advanced agricultural tactics to flip the script on poverty and fight back against brutal drought conditions. These youngsters are scoring steady gigs by honing their skills in greenhouse farming and irrigation systems, giving their financially-pinched families a much-needed lifeline.
Take Abdifatah Amin Khalif, a prime example of this turnaround. Raking in $30 a day from working on a duo of farms, he’s able to send a solid $100 to $200 monthly to his kin in rural Mudug, who saw the majority of their livestock wiped out by drought.
“Now, I can fend for my family’s needs. I used to depend on handouts, but not anymore,” shared Abdifatah.
His saga kicked off in February 2024, when a gnarly drought obliterated his family’s herd, leaving just 30 goats standing. Strapped for options, Abdifatah trekked to Galdogob hunting for work. After roughing it homeless and hungry for weeks, he bunked with relatives until a meager farm job popped up. His luck flipped when a local engineer gave him free training on advanced irrigation systems, a game-changing skill that put Abdifatah on the map financially.
In similar fashion, Adan Abdi Deerow also flipped his fortunes with modern farming know-how. Once toiling away for just $5 a day, Adan now installs irrigation systems for clients, pulling in $15 to $20 daily. Pocketing $450 a month, he sends $150 back to his family in Baidoa, even putting his younger siblings through school.
“My life has done a total 180. I used to crash at friends’ when work vanished, but now I’m the one offering help,” Adan explained.
Cue Abdirisaq Ibrahim Mohamud, an engineering grad from Zamzam University, who played a crucial role in this upheaval. Spotting a local need for skilled agricultural hands, Abdirisaq started offering free training in cutting-edge farming techniques to the youth in Galdogob. Over the last two years, his sessions have empowered a slew of young folks to stand on their own feet and better support their families.
“Our trainees walk out with solid skills, finding jobs or creating their own opportunities, bolstering Somalia’s farming scene,” Abdirisaq noted.
The sprouting of modern farms and greenhouses in Galdogob is opening up job avenues for young folks and skilled laborers, promising a glimmer of hope to families hit hard by drought. Experts reckon these new farming tricks could ramp up the region’s agricultural output, lightening the economic strain caused by lingering droughts.
The triumphs of Abdifatah, Adan, and others highlight the crucial role of modern farming skills in building resilience for Somali families weathering the harsh climate.
With files from Radio Ergo
