Somalia’s Bari Agriculturists Harvest Profits Through Date Cultivation
**Mogadishu (AX) —** An exciting shift is happening amidst the arid landscapes of Somalia’s Bari region, with local farmers finally reaping the rewards of patience and perseverance. After years of struggling against a harsh climate, they’ve tapped into success by cultivating and selling dates, sweetening both their prospects and their wallets.
Take Mohamed Rage Ali, for instance. The father of 14 has turned a promising corner. After half a decade of toil, his farm has yielded a harvest with a $1,200 payout, providing his family with a newfound sense of security. A massive moment! Mohamed cheerfully shared with Radio Ergo, “The harvest has brought us independence. I’m no longer shackled by debt, constantly meeting my family’s needs through harder work. Now, it’s a whole different ball game.”
This breakthrough came on the heels of a strategic support operation launched by the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) back in November 2023. By providing vital training and introducing irrigation systems, the initiative aimed at preparing farmers to withstand environmental adversities, transforming agriculture from a losing battle into a story of resilience.
Numbers don’t lie. Since 2015, 42,000 date palms have been planted, with a lush 70% of them now yielding fruitful results, according to the ICRC. Ahmed Abdulqadir Said, heading the Garowe ICRC office, underlined the impact, asserting, “Date farming is more than just a harvest; it’s a beacon of sustainable income and resilience against the harshness of drought and other climatic challenges.”
Let’s chat about another success story: Abdirisaaq Muse Jama, based in Laag. From just 250 trees spread across his six hectares, September brought him a bounty of dates. In three months, he pocketed a cool $3,000. Now we’re talkin’ money! Abdirisaaq expressed his delight, “The demand for our dates is incredible! We’ve had orders rolling in from every corner—Mogadishu, Garowe, and even Ethiopia. Life’s definitely become a bit easier.” He’s already settled a $900 debt and is planning to stake his claim on more land, his sights set on crop diversification as insurance for his family’s future.
One might wonder: How have dates become the crop de force in this rugged landscape? With roots that dig deep in search of underground water, date palms are naturally equipped to handle prolonged arid conditions, bucking the trend of traditional crops that wilt under water scarcity and pest invasion. Mohamed nodded to this resilience, noting, “Date farming offers a rock-solid alternative to crops that often wither due to lack of water.”
It’s now a time of prosperity in Karin, Laag, and neighboring regions, where the economic tide is turning thanks to date farming. The tangible boost in income is not only improving living conditions but also acts as a bulwark against future uncertainties. What a turnaround! Farmers who once toiled with little hope now envision a future painted in shades of optimism.
This story is a testament to the power of innovation, determination, and nature’s ability to yield fruitful surprises even in the toughest terrains. Somali farmers have truly discovered their oasis amidst the desert.
Edited by: Ali Musa
alimusa@axadletimes.com
Axadle international–Monitoring
