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Somalia's Bari farmers reap financial rewards from date farming
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    Tuesday January 7, 2025


    Farmers in Somalia’s Bari region harvest dates after five years of cultivation, marking a major milestone in their journey towards financial stability and resilience against drought. CREDIT / Radio Ergo

    Mogadishu (HOL) — Farmers in Somalia’s drought-prone Bari region are celebrating a financial turnaround after years of hardship, thanks to the successful cultivation and sale of dates. Over 300 farmers in Karin and Laag, near Bosaso, have sold dates for the first time, marking a pivotal shift in their livelihoods.

    In September, Mohamed Rage Ali, a father of 14, harvested dates from his farm after five years of effort. The $1,200 profit he earned after clearing debts has provided food security and financial stability for his family.

    “The harvest has brought us independence,” Mohamed told Radio Ergo. “I no longer rely on debt to meet my family’s needs. It’s a transformative change.”

    The farmers’ success follows a November 2023 initiative by the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), which provided essential training and irrigation systems. The project aimed to help farmers adapt to the region’s harsh climate and recover from repeated agricultural losses.

    According to the ICRC, 70% of the 42,000 date palms planted since 2015 are now yielding crops. Ahmed Abdulqadir Said, head of the ICRC office in Garowe, emphasized the significance of this achievement.

    “Date farming offers a sustainable income and resilience against drought and other environmental challenges,” Ahmed said.

    Abdirisaaq Muse Jama, another farmer from Laag, began harvesting dates in September from 250 trees on his six-hectare farm. Over three months, he earned $3,000, easing financial pressures on his family 13.

    “The demand for our dates is incredible,” Cabdirisaaq said. “We’ve received orders from cities across Somalia, like Mogadishu and Garowe, as well as Ethiopia. It has made life much easier.”

    Abdirisaaq used part of his earnings to settle $900 in debts and plans to invest in new land for farming. The success of date farming has inspired him to diversify his crops and further secure his family’s future.

    In a region plagued by drought and extreme heat, dates have emerged as a resilient crop. With deep roots that access underground water, date palms can thrive even during prolonged dry spells. Farmers highlighted that while the trees require significant irrigation initially, they are well-suited to arid conditions once established.

    “Date farming has provided a stable alternative to traditional crops, which are vulnerable to water shortages and pests,” said Mohamed.

    After years of struggle, farmers in Karin, Laag, and surrounding areas are witnessing an economic revival. The income generated from date farming has improved their living conditions and offered a buffer against future challenges. 

     





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