In Somaliland context, performance of the crop subsector is weak, but growth potential is high.
The dilemma in small holder farmers is characterized by income decline, dietary reduction, transition migration, demographic changes, climate changes, environmental concerns including droughts,
The root cause of low productivity among smallholder farmers include but not limited to poor farming techniques, lack of technology, lack of water management, lack of farming produce preservation systems, lack of access to market information and absence of government support services. The dismal food insecurity and livelihoods conditions of target group including poor nutrition level particularly among children and pregnant women signify that these problems have be addressed through adoption of the framework for rural transformation and zero hunger
The project is devoted to bring the targeted poor rural farmers above the poverty line by enabling them sustainably increase food and cash crop yields.
The project activities will cover, 200 households in 6 clusters in 3 farmer communities of three locations (Dhabolak.Baki hoose and Tuurka) in Marodijeex and Awdal regions of Somaliland.
The strategy behind proposed project will be to adopt a two pronged approach to building livelihoods in three pre-selected sites (Dhabolak.Baki hoose and Garbo) in Marodijeex and Awdal regions of Somaliland. The first of these is to support and develop the food production systems which remain the main means of support for most households. The second main thrust of the project is to generate cash incomes via the introduction and expansion of cash crops. These would be grown on a significant scale for domestic markets in Somaliland. The project will also support non-farm livelihoods, especially community involvement in cultural activities, and civic engagement.
The project will help target group sustainably increase food and cash crop yields through advanced methods of sustainable agricultural production and preservation
Highlights of best practices proposed will include the following five tire components
§ Providing quality seed inputs in greenhouse environment. This involve establishment of 6 green environment where most profitable crops can grow
§ Promoting the use of efficient irrigation systems and/or water saving techniques. This will involve introduction and installation of drip irrigation techniques
§ Promoting the use of renewable energy. This approach will involve introduction using windmill-irrigation for collective farm units
§ Increase the added value of marketed agricultural products. The value chain approach involves market/sub-sector studies, introduction of new technologies, market linkage, skill development, product development.
§ Enhancing capacity of farmers. This approach will involve training farmers on modern farming practice, encouraging farmers to form trade groups, establishing farmer field schools and agricultural business centres
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