Phone Number.
+252-90-5053563
Crop production
“In Africa the yield potential is there, but you can’t eat the potential” – Dr. Norman E. Borlaug
Smallholder farmers play a significant role in food production particularly in developing countries. A study commissioned by the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) and the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) found that smallholder farmers manage over 80 percent of the world’s estimated 500 million small farms and provide over 80 per cent of the food consumed in a large part of the developing world, contributing significantly to poverty reduction and food security. The study also concludes that with the right support/conditions, smallholder farmers can be at the forefront of transformation in world agriculture Historically, the Somali economy has been dominated by pastoralism and crop production. In 2004, about 67 per cent of the population lived in rural areas of which 55 per cent was engaged in pastoralism and farming. Agro-pastoralism has been and remains the mainstay of the economy with livestock exports as the main foreign exchange earner. Every rural family depends (partly or entirely) on livestock and farming for a livelihood, income generation and food security. Agriculture is the main source of livelihood for the rural population, particularly in South Somalia. For Puntland, crop production has great potential for market-oriented agriculture. The climate and fertility of agricultural zones allow farmers for growing and harvesting multiple vegetable crops including cash crops, fruits and cereal crops of both traditional and recently introduced improved varieties. The main market towns of Puntland which have satisfactory absorption capacities enable farmers to easily sell their commercial products and hence, providing them with the opportunity to gain a sustainable income which in turn will enable them to contribute provision of basic needs for their families.
SARC will support crop production and agro-entrepreneurship among Somali farmers and particularly vulnerable groups such as women and IDPs. Our main approach is participatory where we talk to farmers and engage them with sustainable agricultural techniques that will ultimately improve the lives of the poor farmers and their families. We believe the diversification of the production system by introducing new crop varieties that are best adapted to local conditions. Furthermore, we particularly address the following issues to enhance the value chain: improving soil conditions, agricultural water resources, genetic conservation of traditional crop varieties, value addition and marketing, agricultural credit access, farmer extension education, agribusiness development, and capacity building and training (i.e. entrepreneurship).