By Concetta Bianco | Project Manager
Hello,
Sending warm regards from Puntland, Somalia!
We want to express our profound appreciation for your generous contribution to the initiative "Providing Clean Water and Energy to 350 Somali Households" We are thrilled to provide you with some promising developments in our journey.
Between July and October 2023, we made significant strides in our efforts. Despite the obstacles we have encountered, we remain resolute in our commitment to advancing this inspiring project. Your ongoing support is indispensable to ensure the project successful execution.
Date-palm farmers benefiting of climate smart technologies
THIRD PHASE OF IRRIGATION – WORK ACCOMPLISHED
In August 2023, phase 3 of irrigation infrastructure construction and rehabilitation began, benefiting 38 farmers (33 male and 5 female) in 22 locations around Bari and Nugal regions.
The projects include well protection, submersible well pump installations, solar systems, and Bubbler Irrigation Systems across various farms. The initiative not only focuses on individual farms but also includes the construction of masonry tanks and infrastructure development to benefit local communities in Puntland.
The involvement of both male and female farmers underscores the project commitment to inclusivity and sustainable agriculture practices.
These efforts aim to improve agricultural productivity, sustainable resource management, and the livelihoods of the farming community in the Bari and Nugal regions.
The infrastructure projects include:
OffGrid Box Technology in use enhancing the sale of clean drinking water
After analyzing water samples over the past months, it was found that the water quality finally is suitable for human consumption. As a result, the OffGrid Box is now operational, and they have commenced the sale of potable water in the shops in the center of El-Dahir town, bringing the community to benefit from the service.
During the reporting period, Eldahir CEFA provided the Eldahir landlord with a total of 40 jerricans, consisting of 20 jerricans with a capacity of 20 liters and 20 jerricans with a capacity of 5 liters. The landlord has initiated the sale of water to the local communities at a price of USD 0.15 per 20-liter jerrican.
Solar dryers and DPU (Date Processing Units) in full operation for dates drying
The 3 Date Processing Units finally are operational and all the 9 solar dryers are used at the maximum capacity. The 6 solar dryers in Bari region and in particular the 4 hosted at the El-Dahir and Meladeen DPUs received dates from July to September 2023, whereas the 3 solar dryers in Nugal region and the 2 hosted at the Jibagalle DPU worked from August to September 2023, according to the regional harvesting period.
According to the analysis, there were able to dehydrate 50 kilograms of dates using a single dryer. In favorable weather conditions, it typically took about three days to entirely desiccate this quantity of dates. However, in adverse weather conditions, particularly when the weather is overcast, the process was extended to as long as five days to achieve complete drying.
Distribution of 7048 date palm seedlings and 3,000 pots among rural communities
In September and October, CEFA was involved in the distribution of date palm seedlings and pots among date palm farmers in Nugal and Bari Regions.
After 9 months of acclimatization inside the nurseries of Karin Ago and Jibaxo, 7048 date palm seedlings were distributed, respectively 2569 in Nugal region and 4479 in Bari Region, targeting a total of 732 farmers and 43 locations. At the distribution stage, the date palm seedlings were healthy and strong and CEFA supported the farmers in enhancing their resilience toward climate change and improving their abilities in climate smart agriculture.
Moreover, the farmers received additional pots, for a total of 3,000, for activities such as off-shooting and transplanting of other kind of seedlings, for the strengthening of agricultural production, good practices and well maintenance of the farms.
Practical demonstration of agriculture and irrigation good practices in Bari Region
For the whole month of October, CEFA conducted a significant training program in Bari region, targeting a total of 251 date palm farmers (51 women and 199 men). The training was held in 12 oases and dedicated to irrigation and agricultural components.
The essence of this training was to update farmers on the best practices of date palm cultivation and irrigation facilities such as solar-powered irrigation pumps, types of localized irrigation systems, and other climate-smart technologies. Both ordinary and lead date palm growers have participated in the training that helped raise the awareness of farmers of the importance of pollination, pest control, and other international best practices. Method demonstrations mainly show farmers how to do something. In this method demonstration, the farmer is shown step by step on how, for instance, pollination is performed, the detachment of the date palm offshoot from the mother plant, the safe use of pesticides, or how to use power sprayers safely.
The training workshop was very much appreciated by participants, largely responded to participants’ needs and expectations. Participants appreciated the general structure of the training: the overall process, time allocated for each session, and demonstrations used during the training. The participatory approach, including hands-on participation, was especially perceived as very useful and helped participants to better understand new technologies.
World Food Day
World Food Day is recognized and celebrated every year in world on 16th October in honor of the date of the establishment of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations in 1945. This year, on 16th and 17th October, the Puntland Ministry of Agriculture and Irrigation organized the World Nutrition Day ceremony with the sub-theme "Water is Life, Water is Food. Leave No One Behind."
The purpose was to provide a platform for stakeholders, including CEFA, to come together, share information and collaborate to contribute in the challenges affecting Puntland, in particular dry farming, with main focus on providing awareness and sustainable management of natural resources and agriculture as well as strengthening cooperation between agricultural partners and interest groups to solve agricultural problems and standards.
CEFA shared a presentation on the ongoing project including results and challenges in the agricultural sector and in date palm farming. Moreover, CEFA participated in discussions related to capacity building activities, technology transfer initiatives and community empowerment aimed at addressing issues in food production and nutrition. Several topics were discussed such as water insecurity and irrigation systems, water harvesting, seeds and drought-resistant crops, research and agricultural extension services, innovation and modern agricultural techniques.
Therefore, it was an opportunity for all the organizations to share success stories, lessons learned and the impact of the interventions with the aim to improve food security and livelihoods in Puntland State.
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