Abdirahman Jama Farah, 45, was pleased to pocket $100 from the sale of his first ever harvest of tomatoes and chillies in the northern Somali village of Oog.
After losing 350 goats and 25 camels in the drought, Abdirahman had been anxious about his ability to support his eight children with just their eight surviving goats.
But after seeing other pastoralists turning to farming in the area, he joined with four others to plant a 30 acre farm, 15 km from Ainabo in Sool region.
Their farm produced 800 kilos of tomato and 200 kilos of chilli, earning $460 for the new business partners. They expect they can triple their profits in the next harvest in January, by planting a variety of other crops including maize, millet, guavas, lemons and watermelons.
This farm is one of 10 in the area owned by previously nomadic pastoralist families. The first was started in August by the water well.
Awil Yassin Baruud, another farming convert, told Radio Ergo he was harvesting 140 kilos of vegetables every two days and earning $70 in profit. He and 10 co-owners have managed to settle the debts they incurred during the drought.
They set up the farm using money from the sale of nine goats. Their first purchases were an old generator for $250, irrigation pipes costing $80, and tools and implements for $70. Fortunately one of the partners involved had previous farming experience from southern Somalia from decades before.
The area has wells and seasonal water catchments available during the dry season. This is a considerable attraction for those willing to venture into farming as a new way of life.
Among the challenges, however, are porcupines and birds that destroy maize and millet plants. Awil said they are considering stopping cultivating these two grains to deter pests and parasites.
