Revitalizing Afgooye: A Tale of Resilience and Renewal
Mogadishu (AX) — In the serene town of Afgooye, nestled just a short drive north of Mogadishu, there’s an invigorating sound—a constant, life-giving rhythm of water dancing through revitalized channels. For Ali Abshir Ahmed, a resilient 32-year-old farmer, this sound is akin to a heartbeat, signifying life and hope.
Under the ambitious Somalia Crisis Recovery Project (SCRP), spearheaded by the federal government and generously supported by the World Bank, the Shiikhaasha Canal has been reconstructed. This critical infrastructure now nourishes 174 hectares of farmlands, embracing the livelihoods of 240 farming families, with more standing on the precipice of joining these beneficiaries. The vision? To fortify water management and bolster community resilience along the vital arteries of the Juba and Shabelle rivers.
“These canals have been transformative,” shares Ahmed, his eyes gleaming with newfound hope. “We can cultivate without the fear of floods or droughts.” A father of six, Ahmed’s words are simple yet profound. They tell a tale of survival against formidable odds.
Before the canal’s rejuvenation, Ahmed and his fellow farmers faced harrowing challenges. Nature’s unpredictability often robbed them of water, and seasonal floods threatened their crops’ survival. “There were periods, spanning three to four months,” he recounts, “when the river would run dry. Those were the darkest times. Our sweat and toil for years would vanish, simply due to water scarcity.” Such was the relentless cycle of uncertainty that characterized life back then.
He further explains, “This land was once devoid of any reliable irrigation. We relied on the river’s whims, but when it receded, hope dwindled too.” A poignant reminder of vulnerability, his story amplifies the necessity of consistent water availability.
The SCRP, in its expansive scope, has rejuvenated 18 canals and 17 kilometers of crucial river embankments throughout Somalia. Encompassing over 52 kilometers of restored canals, these projects benefit over 6,500 households, stretching across 4,800 hectares of bountiful farmland. And the embankments? They now protect 98,000 hectares, a significant portion dedicated to the agricultural prosperity yielding 90,000 tonnes of crops.
“Today, my farm thrives,” Ahmed beams, reflecting on the transformation. “We can irrigate our fields, elevate our yields, and transport produce to Mogadishu and beyond. It’s not just about survival anymore; it’s about growth and opportunity.” His narrative, punctuated with joy, encapsulates a broader narrative of economic renewal.
Providing more than just water, the project has also redefined accessibility by enhancing transport infrastructure. The reconstruction of bridging culvert structures means that seasonal rains no longer paralyze farming operations. Farm vehicles, which once sank into muddy roads, now glide effortlessly across reinforced paths.
“Vehicles used to be stranded in the mud during rainy times,” Ali reminisces. “Now, thanks to the newly built bridge, that struggle is history.”
Afgooye, historically an agricultural stronghold in Somalia’s Lower Shabelle region, was not spared the ravages of conflict, neglect, and climatic extremes. As water courses anew through the canals, the sentiments among residents are palpable—a gradual yet certain return to stable livelihoods.
To consider Afgooye’s transformation is to ponder a broader question of resilience. What does it take to renew hope in communities long battered by adversity? Perhaps it’s the confluence of determined individuals, strategic support, and a vision for a future where farmers don’t just survive, but flourish.
