(ERGO) – In rural Somalia, where challenges abound, farmer Isaq Abdullahi Madoobe has carved a path to a good life through hard work, resilience, and information he gets from the radio.
Isaq owns a three-hectare farm in Busley outside the southern town of Baidoa, and has been a dedicated listener of Radio Ergo for a decade. He says the radio has helped him to develop his farm and withstand some of the adverse impacts of the changing climate.
“I initially had no interest in farming, but by listening to the radio I’ve benefited from many things, such as skills in land preparation, planting, and the knowledge learned from agricultural experts,” Isaq said. “I learned to stop cutting down trees and to use fallow land. I’ve now stopped cutting down trees on my farm, which I used to do.”
“I’m happy that the radio has greatly changed my life,” he told Radio Ergo’s local reporter, who visited him on his farm in January. “The radio has become my guide. I’ve used up three radio sets! Whenever one breaks, I get another. I’m now using a smaller one.”
Isaq explained how guidance on Radio Ergo’s farming programme helped him to nurture his fruit trees including guavas, papayas, and lemons.
“My lemons used to have no value, but now I deliver my harvest to seven villages. Those villagers call me to get produce from the farm.
We’re currently experiencing water shortages, but I’m digging a small well. Currently we have to travel 7-10 kilometres to get water.”
Isaq plants a variety of vegetables on one hectare and staple crops such as maize, sorghum and beans on the other two hectares. The farm supports the family including his three sons and three daughters, and his elderly parents who live with them.
“My children go to Koranic school, even though there is no formal school in the village. I spend $10 a month on their education, which I earn from the farm. I save $10 a month to reinvest in the farm, and the rest is for family expenses.”
Two years ago, he lost most of his harvest to drought and also lost the seven goats he had bought with his farm earnings to sudden floods.
Nevertheless, he has picked up again and succeeded in building a house on the farm. “Now my life is good, and I’m content,” he says, adding: “I hope that God will grant us a good Gu rainfall.”
Isaq’s appreciation of the radio service extends beyond the weekly farming and environment programmes that he never misses.
“Radio Ergo has taken various initiatives for the community, especially awareness programmes like the one about illegal migration, where they discuss with young people to encourage them to stay in their home country safely,” he said.
