Delivering tools to farmers in Somalia

This story was written by World Vision International and edited by Samson Okalow, World Vision Canada.

World Vision’s Somalia Childhood Rescue program has been active in Puntland, Somalia since 2023. The program is working to benefit almost 13,000 people in the areas of livelihoods, health and education. Helping local farmers is critical as they cope with the impact of climate change, which has made farming so difficult that many have migrated, leaving their homes to find work elsewhere.

Producing sustainable food sources is key to helping vulnerable children and their families survive. With the generous support of donors, and as part of a broader program in Puntland, CHR in April 2024 has provided 40 farmers with wheelbarrows, shovels and high-quality, disease-resistant seeds. These seeds include onions, watermelon, cantaloupe, tomatoes, spinach, pepper and much more. Other tools include water cans, hoes, spray pumps, rakes, gloves and more.

Together, these supplies will help enable farmers to increase their productivity and cultivate larger areas of land, which means they can grow more food. The distribution impacts about 240 individuals.

In July 2024 training on Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) was provided to 50 additional farmers. This included restocking 250 drought-affected households with three goats each, and providing animal husbandry training for 200 households.

Farmer Hawa Mohamed said, "I'm thrilled to receive these resources. As a woman farmer, I often face challenges accessing the necessary inputs. This support will empower me to grow a thriving vegetable garden and provide for my family."

The program is implemented by World Vision Somalia and managed by World Vision Canada, with additional funding from 17 other World Vision support offices from around the world.