Sowing Seeds, Reaping Hopes: Transforming Lives in Somalia

For 12 months, a transformative project supported 200 vulnerable households in Afgoye, Lower Shabelle Region, Somalia. Beneficiaries included 499 women, 461 men, 120 boys and 120 girls. By integrating immediate food assistance, agricultural training and the provision of farming inputs, the project addressed urgent food insecurity and empowered the community to achieve sustainable livelihoods and resilience against future shocks.

Immediate relief through monthly food distributions

Each household received monthly food parcels over 12 months, ensuring families had access to essential nutrition during challenging times. The food parcels, which included rice, wheat flour, sugar, vegetable oil, dates and powdered milk, were critical in averting hunger and starvation.

85 per cent of the beneficiaries confirmed that this assistance was invaluable, affirming that it significantly improved their nutrition and that of their family members. The food parcels provided families with much-needed stability, enabling them to focus on rebuilding their livelihoods without the constant worry of hunger.

Empowering farmers through Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) training

Through the project, 50 lead farmers were trained in Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) and cascaded their knowledge to 150 additional beneficiaries. This ensured that all 200 households gained valuable skills in sustainable farming techniques, including crop planting, management, application of manure and fertilizers, and efficient land use.

The GAP training strengthened the beneficiaries’ capacity to cope with future challenges by equipping them with the knowledge to achieve better yields and improve soil fertility. Many farmers reported a significant increase in their confidence and ability to manage their farms effectively.

Enhancing farming capacity with Inputs

Each household received essential farm tools (pickaxe, hoe, shovel, rake, and kawawe). They also received high-quality seeds, including maize, corn, beans, pepper, carrots, tomatoes and red onions. These inputs were distributed before the planting season, ensuring that beneficiaries could immediately apply their newly acquired GAP knowledge.

Although planting was initially delayed due to flooding caused by the El Niño effect, the crops were eventually planted successfully. The beneficiaries are now harvesting their crops, with some even selling their surplus produce in local markets to generate income, further strengthening their food security and economic resilience.

Transformative impact of the project

This project delivered multi-faceted benefits to the community:

1. Improved food security and nutrition: Monthly food parcels alleviated hunger and enhanced nutritional outcomes for 1,200 individuals.
2. Sustainable agricultural practices: GAP training increased knowledge and skills, enabling beneficiaries to adopt sustainable farming methods and achieve higher yields.
3. Economic empowerment: Harvesting surplus crops and selling them in local markets provided families an additional income stream.
4. Resilience building: Beneficiaries are better equipped to cope with future shocks by applying GAP knowledge and utilizing their distributed tools and seeds.

The distributed inputs improved farming efficiency, allowing beneficiaries to maximize their space and resources. As a result, many households are now food secure and less reliant on external aid, marking a significant step toward self-sufficiency.

Community feedback and sustainability

85 per cent of beneficiaries expressed gratitude for the project, noting its life-changing impact. They affirmed that the intervention averted hunger and improved their long-term food security and livelihoods.

By addressing both immediate needs and building local capacities, this project has created a foundation for sustained improvement in food security, nutrition, and economic stability for the community in Afgoye. It is a testament to the power of integrated humanitarian efforts in transforming lives and fostering resilience.

From surviving to thriving: A model for success

This project succeeded because it tackled immediate needs while building long-term resilience. Delivering monthly food parcels alleviated hunger and improved nutrition for vulnerable families. At the same time, training beneficiaries in Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) and equipping them with quality tools and seeds empowered them to grow their food and earn income from surplus crops.

Its impact was amplified by a strategic approach, targeting the most vulnerable households, cascading training to maximize knowledge sharing and combining aid with capacity building. This dual focus on survival and self-sufficiency highlights why such projects are critical in transforming lives in fragile settings.