From Drought to Abundance

Updated on June 23, 2025
by HIJRA
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In the heart of Masiireey Village of Wanlaweyn district, Mr. Abukar Mohamed, a father of over a dozen children from his two wives, once faced the relentless threat of drought and dwindling harvests. Like many farmers in Somalia’s Lower Shabelle region, his family’s survival hinged on rain-fed agriculture, a lifeline increasingly jeopardized by climate extremes. But in late 2024, a transformative initiative by the BRCiS III project, implemented by HIJRA, brought hope – and tangible change – to his doorstep.

With a household of many children to feed, Mr. Abukar’s struggles were compounded by erratic rainfall and degraded soils. “We relied on the skies, but the skies grew harsher,” he shared. Recognizing the urgency, the BRCiS III project stepped in, providing him drought-resistant maize with seeds and critical tractor hours to prepare his land. This support was part of a broader effort to enhance food security, boost agricultural productivity, and build climate resilience across Afgooye and Wanlaweyn districts.

The project’s Farm Field Schools (FFS) in Jambaluul and Masiireey villages became hubs of learning. Mr. Abukar joined fellow farmers in training sessions on modern techniques – from soil preparation and irrigation to weeding and harvesting. “Before, we planted randomly and prayed. Now, we understand how to nurture the land,” he said.

Between December 2024 and March 2025, Mr. Abukar applied his new skills with determination. Tractors broke through hardened earth, saving weeks of labor. The drought-resistant seeds, sown with precision, germinated robustly.

For Mr. Abukar, the results were transformative. His yield tripled compared to previous seasons, providing not only enough maize to feed his family but also surplus to sell at local markets. “This harvest means my children stay in school, and my wives no longer worry about empty pots,” he reflected. Beyond his family, the project’s success in Masiireey village of Wanlawein disrtict and also Jambaluul village of Afgooye district has sparked a ripple effect.

The BRCiS III project’s blend of resource provision and education has set a precedent for sustainable agriculture in Somalia. By equipping farmers like Mr. Abukar with tools and knowledge, it has turned vulnerability into resilience. As he prepares for the next planting season, Mr. Abukar envisions a future where his children inherit not just land, but the skills to thrive. “We are no longer at the mercy of the drought,” he says. “We have learned to grow with it.”

In Afgooye and Wanlawein districts, where climate shocks once spelled despair, stories like Mr. Abukar’s illuminate a path toward food security and enduring hope. The success of Jambaluul and Masiireey’s Farm Field Schools stands as a proof to the power of community-led innovation – and the promise of harvests yet to come.