Agriculture Programme – Somaliland

In Somaliland, the majority of farmers utilise traditional farming techniques characterised as low input and low output. The Foundation’s approach for improving agriculture production and productivity is multi-pronged. While we try to conserve top soil and stop erosion with soil bunds, we also train farmers in modern agricultural practices such as improved farming techniques, improved seeds, fertilisers, compost making and pesticides.  We also introduced drip irrigation through the establishment of demonstration sites at Botor and Ilinta.

Soil Bunds

Soil bunds are among the most common techniques used in agricultural conservation to collect and retain surface water run off that enhances soil moisture, revives soil fertility and optimises agricultural productivity.

With the objective of increasing agriculture productivity and reduce soil erosion, The Pharo Foundation partnered with Botor, Ilinta and Ilma Dado communities in the construction of soil bunds. The project started in late 2017 and has been implemented in different stages. With active participation of the communities where they offer manual labour services, a total of 193km of soil bunds have been constructed in the three villages, reducing soil erosion and retaining moisture for more than 1,070 farmers along the contours.

Introduction of Drip Irrigation

Drip irrigation is an alternative to mitigating the impact of climate change that is causing poor and erratic rainfall patterns.

The Pharo Foundation has been implementing drip-irrigation projects in Botor and Ilinta villages in the North Gabiley district since 2018. The projects include the establishment of demonstration plots in each village, training of farmers and the supply of necessary inputs in the form of long-term loans.

So far, a total of 176 farmers trained in drip irrigation and good agricultural practices in three cohorts. By planting cash crops such as onions, carrots and cabbage, a sample of farmers showed that they were able to increase their incomes 3-5 times in a single harvest season, despite challenges such as the shortage of rain and pest damage.