Summary

Mohamud*, a subsistence farmer in his 50s, is the father of nine children. He lives in Goljeno, a small rural community in the Somali region. Approximately six years ago, Mohamud and his family had to flee their hometown in Oromia region due to inter-ethnic conflict that broke out in their locality. Since then, the family has been relying on assistance provided by government and other agencies, such as Save the Children.

As part of the climate-smart component of the Irish Aid project, Save the Children supplied Mohamud and other families with improved vegetable and fast-maturing crop seedlings. Mohamud has sown maize seeds he received on his small plot of land, and he eagerly awaits the harvest season. In about a month’s time,, Mohamud will also start his beekeeping practice. His traditional beehives yield enough honey for him to earn a decent income.

Mohamud aspires to expand both his crop farm and his homestead garden. Additionally, he hopes to transform his existing traditional beehives into modern ones if support is obtained in the future. Mohamud expresses his wish that Save the Children and other supporters to continue their assistance until his situation improves.

Mohamud’s Story in his own words (quotes)

“My name is Mohamud, and I am a 50-year-old father of nine children. We are smallholder farmers engaged in subsistence farming and livestock rearing for our livelihood. Previously, I lived in the Oromia region. During that time, our family was relatively prosperous, owning a significant number of livestock. Additionally, we harvested ample food crops for household consumption and even sold the surplus produce.”

“However, approximately six years ago, my family and I were displaced from our hometown in Oromia, where we had lived our entire lives, due to interethnic conflict in the area. At the time, we carried only small possessions—just the clothes on our backs. As the fighting intensified, we fled for our lives. Initially, we sought refuge in Collagy, a place in the Somali region that had been prepared for displaced people. After nearly six months there, we were relocated to our current area where we settled into a small house that we built. Since our displacement, we have relied on the small food assistance provided by the government and other humanitarian agencies.”

“Every one of my children has gone to school. Two of the oldest have finished their college degrees and are now employed as development agents at the district agricultural office and as teachers at the local school respectively. For a long time, I have advised my children to pursue education because I believe that change is possible only through learning. I am proud to say that all my children have succeeded in their education and have reached where they are today.”

“During the last agricultural season, other farmers in my community and I were identified by the project to be given improved vegetable and crop seeds. I received vegetable seeds for tomatoes, onions, and green peppers. Save the Children also supplied us with fast-maturing maize crop seeds that I sowed on my small plot of land that it is performing well.”

“I planted tomatoes and onions in my backyard, and they are doing well. The maize I sowed in my small farmland has matured, and it will be ready for harvest in less than a month. The new improved crop seed that we were provided with matures quickly; it reached maturity in just two months. This makes it better suited for areas with less rainfall, like ours.”

“We received guidance from local agricultural experts who closely monitor our farming operations. As a result, we successfully cultivated a wide range of vegetables and crops. Save the Children not only provided me with seedlings but also assisted in constructing a water harvesting structure, locally known as ‘birkhad.’ Thanks to this water storage facility next to my garden, I can now irrigate the crops and vegetables I grow.”

"Right now, the lack of farmland is the main issue we face. We find it difficult to grow enough food to support our family for a whole year for instance. Not to mention, the ongoing drought is still a big worry. To mitigate these challenges, we plan to diversify our livelihood by engaging in income-generating activities such as beekeeping and cultivating cash crops. We hope to receive continued support in the future.”

“I am very grateful to Save the Children and the project for the support we have received thus far. This assistance has been instrumental in improving our lives. I hope this support will continue supporting us. Specifically, I would appreciate it if we could be given improved beehives. These modernized beehives would allow us to transition from traditional beekeeping methods to increase honey production, thereby enabling us to earn more income.”

What the climate smart component of Gender Equality Project that Save the Children run is doing for Mohammud and others like him in the village?

Save the Children’s Gender Equality Program (GEP) has embarked on a transformative journey with the introduction of the ‘Climate-Smart Component.’ This pioneering initiative is set in motion through the provision of improved vegetable and crop seeds, hybrid goats, egg-laying chickens, and beehives. The goal is to build household resilience and empower women to withstand shocks from climate-related crises.

Through its climate-smart component, Save the Children has reached a total of 395 households which is approximately over 2,300 people. Most of these  are female headed households in remote rural areas of the Somali region. By providing improved vegetable seedlings, fast-maturing crop seeds, hybrid goats, chickens, and beehives, families can earn extra income, support their households, and provide their children with homegrown nutritious meals.