Khadija Abdikadir is a 65-year-old farmer in Sabiid village in Afgoye, in southern Somalia. For years, Khadija had used traditional, outdated farming methods which were yielding disappointing harvests. She relied on her grandchildren for help during the planting seasons, which kept them away from school. These challenges are compounded by climate shocks, lack of access to both quality seeds and agricultural knowledge, hindering productivity and keeping farmers like her in a constant subsistence cycle.
Primary Text"Our lands and methods of farming had stayed the same for generations," said Khadija.
With a lifelong dedication to agriculture, she and her late husband shared a passion for farming, and now she manages her own 4-hectare farm. However, they relied on informal seed sources which often compromised their productivity. "Our lands and methods of farming have stayed the same for generations," Khadija said. These systemic inefficiencies are a common phenomenon across farming communities in Somalia. Over 65% of the population in southern Somalia rely on crop production, focusing on staples like maize, sorghum, sesame, and mung beans.
USAID’s Inclusive Resilience in Somalia (IRiS) activity formed a partnership with local seed companies to help increase the productivity and income for these farmers. This initiative focused on connecting farmers in marginalized communities with agro-dealers to advise, create an effective distribution system and promote awareness of the importance of certified seeds for enhanced productivity.
USAID's strategy involved educating farmers on the benefits of certified seeds, strengthening agro-dealer networks, and launching promotional campaigns for the high-yield Maize-Somtux variety.
With USAID’s, 5,000 farmers received 2-kilogram packages of the 'Somtux' maize variety. This high-yield, premium seed was made available at an affordable rate of $1.2 per kilogram, ensuring accessibility for farmers. IRiS further enriched the farming community by offering consultation services on optimal agricultural practices through a local network known as VBAs (Village-Based Agency).
Primary Text"As I stand in my field that is rich with the promise of a bountiful harvest, I see not just the fruits of my labor but the seeds of hope for every farmer in Somalia," Khadija says.
This success was supported by a market-system approach, with USAID’s IRiS covering 71% of the budget and the remaining 29% contributed by partners and local farmers like Khadijo. This collaborative funding model highlights the commitment of all stakeholders towards fostering sustainable change.
Khadijo's hands-on experience with the new seeds amplifies the impact, as she planted 2 kg on 1,000 square meters of her land, anticipating a minimum yield of 300 kg; a significant improvement from the 140 kg yield achieved through traditional methods in the same area.
"As I stand in my field, rich with the promise of a bountiful harvest, I see not just the fruits of my labor but the seeds of hope for every farmer in Somalia," Khadijo says.
The IRiS Project is jointly funded by United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and the United Kingdom’s Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO). The project enhances economic growth for marginalized households in drought-affected areas by diversifying livelihoods and strengthening market systems.
USAID and the IRiS project focuses on climate-resilient agriculture, urban integration of displaced persons, and private sector expansion. With USAID’s support, IRiS aims to improve livelihoods for 50,000 households, provide access to resilient seeds for over one million farmers, and facilitate $5 million in private sector investments.
USAID works with key partners so that Somali farmers have access to the best resources and training for productive and nutritious crops.
