A group Somali Youth in Galdogob, Puntland of Somalia, are battling the devastating effects of drought and protecting their families from poverty by utilizing modern farming techniques. Thanks to their training in greenhouse agriculture and irrigation systems, these young people have secured stable jobs, giving their families who are suffering from the drought much-needed financial support.<\/p>\n
One of the young laborers who is changing his life via modern farming is Abdifatah Amin Khalif. Working on two farms, he makes $30 a day, which enables him to send $100 to $200 a month to his family in rural Mudug, who lost most of their livestock due to rain.<\/p>\n
\u201cI can now meet the needs of my family. I used to need assistance from others, but these days I can support myself,\u201d he said<\/p>\n
His adventure started in February 2024, when his family\u2019s goat herd was reduced to thirty due to drought. After realizing he couldn\u2019t sustain his family, Abdulfatah relocated to Galdogob in pursuit of employment. He eventually found refuge with family after going weeks without food or shelter, and he was able to land a menial job on a farm. His situation improved when a local engineer gave him free instruction in cutting-edge irrigation techniques; Abdifatah is now financially independent as a result of this training.<\/p>\n
Similar to Abdifatah, Dan Abdi Deerow used contemporary farming methods to change his life. he used to work as a farm laborer for just $5 a day, but these days he installs irrigation systems for customers, earning $15 to $20 a day.With his current monthly income of $450, he sends $150 to his family in Baidoa and helps fund the schooling of his younger brothers.<\/p>\n
\u201cMy entire life has changed. When work dried up, I used to rely on friends, but now I can support myself and even help others,\u201d Aadan remarked.<\/p>\n
An important factor in this change has been Zamzam University engineering graduate Abdirisaq Ibrahim Mohamud. Seeing the need for competent agricultural laborers, Abdirisaq started providing young people in Galdogob with free instruction in contemporary farming methods. His training has enabled many young people to become independent and improve the quality of life for their families over the course of the last two years.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe people we\u2019ve trained leave with valuable skills that allow them to find employment or create their own opportunities, contributing to Somalia\u2019s agricultural sector,\u201d Abdirisaq said.<\/p>\n
In Galdogob, the emergence of contemporary farms and greenhouses is creating employment opportunities for skilled laborers and youth, potentially serving as a lifeline for families affected by the drought. Experts predict that by increasing agricultural productivity in the area, these new farming methods will help mitigate the economic damage that the region\u2019s frequent droughts have caused.<\/p>\n
The achievements of Abdifatah, Aadan, and others highlight how crucial contemporary farming techniques are to helping Somali families become more resilient in the face of an increasingly unforgiving environment.<\/p>\n