A new beginning through greenhouse farming
“Life became very difficult after the drought destroyed our ability to farm,” Rahmay recalls. “It was painful to see my children go hungry.” As the dry seasons continued, Rahmay’s family struggled to cope. With her husband bedridden and unable to work, the responsibility of supporting the household fell largely on her shoulders.
The turning point for Rahmay came when she, along with five other mothers in her community, formed the Iskashi Women Group, to find a path back to farming. Their passion and determination caught the attention of SOS Children’s Villages, who introduced them to greenhouse farming – an innovative solution for communities ravaged by climate change.
“We were sceptical at first. It felt so new, and we doubted our ability to succeed,” Rahmay recalls.
Despite their scepticism, the women learned the essential skills for cultivating crops in a controlled environment, such as a greenhouse setting thanks to comprehensive training and hands-on guidance.
“Our mindset started to shift as we realised how we could grow our own food again with less water and effort,” she adds with enthusiasm.
Nurturing fresh produce, nurturing families
Their journey began by planting a local favourite, cucumbers. They worked hard every day, ensuring their crops received all the care and attention they needed and their efforts were quickly rewarded.
“In the first harvest, we gathered 200 kilograms of cucumbers, earning $50,” Rahmay explains, her voice brimming with pride. “It may not seem like much, but for us, it was a lifeline.”
Excited for the season ahead they prepared for their second harvest with high expectations. “We’re now talking with local supermarkets and restaurants, which means we could sell our produce for better prices!” Rahmay’s excitement is evident as she envisions a brighter future for her family and everyone involved.
From waiting for rain to growing their own future
The income from their greenhouse has allowed Rahmay and her group to provide for their families and share the proceeds. “From our first earnings, we saved $10 and used the rest to buy food for our children. It was a huge relief during such hard times. We are now able to feed our families,” she says, highlighting the impact of their collective success.
Rahmay was among 80 vulnerable female-headed households supported by the project through smart farming initiatives in the districts of Afgoye, Bal’ad, and Jowhar in Somalia, thanks to the generous support of the Norwegian Agency for Development Cooperation (NORAD) and SOS Children’s Villages.