Somalia - IOM is supporting the Puntland Ministry of Agriculture to introduce roll planter technology in the  Onqor area, south of Bossaso, with the intended goal of increasing food production among internally displaced persons (IDPs) and host community members and introduce more efficient farming techniques.

The ground-breaking project, which was launched in November 2015, is the first of its kind in Bossaso and seeks to combine new technology with traditional farming practices and determine whether it can be replicated in other parts of Puntland.

Mohamed Abdalla Waberi, Regional Agriculture Officer said: “Unlike our traditional farming techniques, the roll planter requires minimal amounts of water; is not harmful to the environment, and protects plants from insects. Many farmers in Bossaso stand to improve their livelihoods.”

Amina Shire Ahmed (45), a mother of six, was one of the farmers who was introduced to the roll planter technology. “I learned many new things at the training, and if you come to my small farm, you will see the difference. My plants grow faster with less water, and I spend less time on the farm,” she said.

This project is funded by the Government of Japan.

For further information, please contact: Heidrun Salzer, IOM Somalia, Tel: + 254 733 770 533 Email: hsalzer@iom.int