Somalia continues to face prolonged and recurrent drought, with below-average rainfall resulting in widespread water shortages, crop failure, livestock deaths, and the erosion of community livelihood systems. Agro-pastoral communities that depend on irrigation farming are struggling to sustain crop production as river water sources become unreliable. Farmers along the Dawa River have been forced to reduce their farming as river levels drop, and traditional irrigation systems fail due to climate shocks. At the same time, limited access to agricultural extension services, pest infestations, and crop diseases keep yields low and production costs high.
Unna Village in Dollow district, largely inhabited by agro-pastoralist households, reflects these broader national challenges. In response, NAPAD, in partnership with Medico International and with support from Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), introduced a climate-smart agriculture project targeting 50 farmers in Unna. The project combines solar-powered irrigation infrastructure with practical, hands-on agronomic training and the provision of farming inputs to address both water access and production constraints.
Before the intervention, farmers relied on diesel-powered water pumps and shallow earthen canals to divert river water to their farms. This approach was costly and inefficient, as fuel prices are costly, water distribution was irregular, and seasonal floods frequently destroy crops planted along the riverbanks. “We were working very hard to farm and irrigate our crops using the river water, but we lost most of them, or they did not produce enough,” recalls Mohamed Omar, a father of six and one of the farmers in Unna.
A 12.5-meter shallow well was drilled to improve access to clean water. A solar-powered water pumping system was installed and linked to a 60,000-liter concrete storage tank and a 2.1-kilometer pipe distribution network that delivers water reliably across the community farm. To further strengthen resilience, the project installed a surface pump mounted on a floating pontoon, enabling farmers to draw water directly from the river during high water levels. Farmers can switch between the two systems depending on seasonal conditions, ensuring uninterrupted irrigation throughout the year.
Alongside the infrastructure and farming inputs, agronomists provided hands-on training to the farmers in climate-smart agriculture and conducted farmer field days. These provide practical, hands-on learning opportunities where farmers can see improved farming techniques in action. This approach has built confidence among the farmers, increased their understanding of climate-smart agriculture, and encourages the adoption of innovations that can improve yields and reduce losses. Farmer Field Days also create a valuable platform for peer-to-peer learning as the farmers come together to exchange their experiences, discuss challenges, and figure out practical solutions together that improve productivity and income.
The combined investment in infrastructure and knowledge has transformed agricultural production in Unna Village. Despite the ongoing drought affecting much of Somalia, the 50 farmers collectively harvested 22 tons of produce this season, including sudan grass, watermelon, beans, maize, and sorghum. While many farms along the Dawa River have stopped cultivation due to declining water levels, Unna’s farmers continue to plant, irrigate, and harvest.
The impact extends beyond crop yields. Sudan grass provides fodder for livestock, helping protect the pastoral assets during drought. Surplus fodder is sold at the local market for one dollar per bale, generating income that supports household expenses.
“In other parts of our community, drought is destroying everything,” explains Noor Husein. “But for us, this farm is helping us survive. We harvest fodder for our livestock and sell the surplus at the market. This income allows us to support our families with dignity.”
Through this partnership, innovation, and strong community ownership, Unna Village demonstrates that even in the midst of Somalia’s ongoing drought, targeted investment in climate-smart agriculture can restore productivity, protect livelihoods, and strengthen resilience at the community level.