In the arid outskirts of Dire Dawa, a city administration in eastern Ethiopia, a story of resilience and agricultural transformation has emerged. Mohamed Aduse and his group of young friends transitioned from laboring in quarries to pioneering agricultural prosperity with support from the World Bank’s Ethiopia Agricultural Growth Project II (AGP II). The project's goal is to increase agricultural productivity and commercialization for smallholder farmers in targeted locations.
Previously, Mohamed and his comrades worked in quarries, earning 200 birr (about $3.50) daily by chiseling cobblestones for the local road authority. In 2018, they formed the Burka Aneni smallholder irrigation farm group. They dug a hand-dug well and used a diesel pump purchased through project support to irrigate their crops. Despite skepticism, their determination led them forward.
The AGP II project provided seeds, fertilizer, pesticides worth $2,000, and training on various farming techniques. Financial assistance helped them switch from costly diesel pumps to grid electricity, significantly reducing operational expenses.
As their first seeds took root, Mohamed's group transformed the barren landscape into a 20-hectare oasis with papaya trees, citrus groves, and vegetable patches. Their annual income rose to $15,000. They invested in dairy farming and transportation vehicles and constructed homes.
Mohamed's group's success inspired other farmer groups to adopt irrigation-based agriculture. Omer Abdulahi's Mimosa collective followed suit in 2022 after witnessing Mohamed's achievements. Similarly, Omer Mohamed mobilized local farmers in Ijanani kebele to form an irrigation collective in 2020 with AGP II support.
These groups have achieved food security and economic stability while becoming agents of change within their communities. Improved schooling for children and investments in assets like vehicles are some benefits seen from these initiatives.
The transformation initiated by Mohamed Aduse's group has ignited a ripple effect across the region. Slogans like "Resource is everywhere but looking into it properly utilizing it to change the situation is the wise means for all" reflect their spirit of determination.
This story stands as a testament to collective action's power and unwavering determination rooted firmly in soil that nurtures life-sustaining crops and community dreams.