Agriculture summary in simple terms somali

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IMPORRTANCE OF AGRICULTURE
By:
said Mohamed Abdi
MA (EPM) University of Nairobi
Introduction to Agriculture

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• Somalia is located in the Horn of Africa, bordering the Gulf of Aden and the Indian Ocean.
• Somalia has a coastline of over 3,333 km, the longest in continental Africa.
• It has a total area of 637,657 square km, making it tuthe 44th largest country in the world.
• The land is mostly flat to hills in the north.
Geographical Overview of Somalia

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• The climate is principally Arid and Semi-Arid Climate ,with two rainy seasons:
- Gu-season (April -June) with higher and more reliable precipitations and
- Deyr-season (October December).
• Xagaa rains may appear (July – September, some regions like Benadir middle Shabelle etc.)
• Jilaal season (January March) is dry.
• Rainfall amounts vary greatly, with the northern regions being the most arid.
• Somalia has few permanent rivers, the most important being the Jubba and Shabeelle, which
flow from the Ethiopian Highlands.

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• The agricultural sector in Somali play a crucial role in the country's economy and the
livelihoods.
1. Economic backbone: Agriculture, including livestock rearing, accounts for around 70% of
Somalia's GDP and 80 percent of its employment and over 50% of its export earnings.
2. Livelihood for majority: An estimated 65% of Somalis are employed in the agricultural
sector, either as pastoralists, agro-pastoralists, or crop farmers.
3. Food security: Agricultural production, particularly of staple crops like sorghum, maize,
and pulses, is vital for ensuring domestic food security and reducing reliance on food imports.
Significance of Agriculture in
Somalia

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4. Pastoral economy: Somalia's economy is largely based on pastoralism, with nomadic and
semi-nomadic herding constituting the predominant livelihood. Livestock, especially camels,
cattle, sheep, and goats, are crucial assets and a major export commodity.
5. Export earnings: Cash crops like Sesame, Dried limon, and frankincense contribute
significantly to Somalia's export earnings and foreign exchange.

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• The Somali economy is heavily reliant on agriculture, which is the largest and most
important economic activity in the country.
• Crop production, livestock rearing, and related activities make up the vast majority of
Somalia's economic output.
• Livestock, including camels, cattle, sheep, and goats, is a crucial component of the
agricultural sector,
• Somalia is one of the largest livestock producers in Africa, with pastoralism being a central
livelihood for many Somalis.
Contribution of Agriculture to the GDP

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• Major crops grown in Somalia include:
- Sorghum
- Maize
- Sesame
- various fruits
- vegetables
• Crop production contributes around 25-30% to the country's GDP.

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• According to the World Bank/FAO report, Somalia has approximately 8.9 million hectares of
cultivable land, with around 2.3 million hectares capable of producing crops under rainfed
conditions.
• This highlights the potential for agricultural development in the country, emphasizing the
need for investments in water management, farming techniques, and infrastructure to
fully harness this land’s productivity.
• Improving agricultural practices could significantly contribute to food security and
economic stability in Somalia.
Land Potential to Cultivation

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1. Hectare: is equal to 10,000 square meters
2. Darab: Equivalent five jibaal
3. Jibaal: area of land approximately 25 m by 25 m.
4. Tacab: piece of land with a length of 30 feet and a width of 20 feet.
5. Moos: Measurement of land area equal to quarter of jibaal
Measurements farmers use

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• The first commercial banana plantations were
established in southern Somalia, particularly
in the Juba River during the 1920s.
• This was encouraged by the Italian colonial
administration, which saw the potential for
commercial banana production in the region.
• Somalia was previously a central hub for
banana exports in Africa.
Main Agricultural Projects in Somalia

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• By the 1940s, Somalia had become the largest exporter of bananas in East Africa, surpassing
other producer countries like Kenya and Tanzania.
• With the industry employing over 120 thousand workers and exports worth 96 Million US
Dollars, Somali banana production reached its peak between 1987-1990 exporting mainly to
Italy and Middle Eastern Countries.
• Also, Somali bananas were highly sought after in European markets, particularly Italy and
the United Kingdom.

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• Sugar mill in Jowhar: Owned
by “National Industrial
Agriculture Company”
(SNAI), and nationalized in
1970, this sugar mill
employed 1800 and up to
5500 people.
• Its production was 50,000
tonnes per year.
Sugar mill in Jowhar

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Bal’ad Textile factory
• The Bal’ad Textile Factory in Somalia is an important facility aimed at reviving the textile
industry in the region.
• Located in Bal’ad, and was Built in 1966 during Aden cadde’s government.
• this factory plays a role in producing fabrics and garments, which can help create jobs and
stimulate local economies.
• The factory is part of broader efforts to promote industrialization and economic self-
sufficiency in Somalia, particularly in the face of challenges such as unemployment and
reliance on imports.

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• By investing in the textile sector, it also seeks to utilize local resources and skills,
contributing to the country’s development and enhancing its economic resilience.

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