Sowing Seeds of Change: How MDALAG is Empowering Somali Farmers
The Shabelle River.
Buloburde, Hiiraan Region, Somalia — In the heart of Mareeyle, a village on the outskirts of Buloburde’s bustling town center, Adan Abdi, better known to his community as “Geesey,” carries the legacy of his ancestors in the most tangible way possible—through the soil beneath his feet. For generations, farming has been the backbone of his family, a tradition he inherited along with the lands that have nourished countless lives.
Having spent his entire life in Mareeyle, Adan’s bond with his fields reflects his deep-rooted commitment to his community and their shared resilience. Like many here, his family’s history is intertwined with the town’s lifeline—the Shabelle River, which has long sustained the agricultural backbone of Buloburde and its surrounding villages. Along the banks; rows of mango trees stretch for miles, their roots deep and unyielding—much like the people who call this place home.
Adan Abdi 'Geesey'.
The installation of solar panels to power water pumps has been a transformative development for Adan and his fellow farmers. Installed just over a year ago, these panels replaced the costly and unreliable petrol-based motor pumps that the community had relied on for decades. “Before, we depended on petrol to draw water from the river, which was both expensive and unsustainable,” Adan explained. High fuel costs and frequent mechanical issues often disrupted irrigation, jeopardizing crop yields and straining farmers’ finances.
Now, with a reliable and eco-friendly energy source, farmers can channel their savings into other essential needs, such as high-quality seeds and fertilizers. For Adan and many others, the solar panels represent more than just reduced expenses—they have renewed their hope and confidence in the future of farming.
Adan Abdi after successful tractor matching.
Being among the first to adopt MDALAG’s tractor matching service, Adan is leading the way in embracing digital transformation in Buloburde. Initially, many farmers were hesitant to try the service, unsure if it would meet their needs. However, after witnessing how seamlessly Adan could connect with available tractors, their reluctance turned into acceptance. The platform, which connects farmers to essential agricultural services, is revolutionizing the way they operate. “Finding a tractor used to mean calling several owners and hoping one would be available,” Adan recalled. The delay often meant missing crucial planting windows, ultimately impacting yields.
SMS notifying a successful matching with a tractor owner. The message provides the farmer with three numbers of nearby and available tractors.
“With MDALAG, I can now match with an available tractor instantly. This not only saves time but ensures that I can keep up with my schedule,” he said. His words echo the sentiments of many farmers in the region, who see digital tools as a vital step toward modernizing agriculture in Somalia.
During a recent visit to his farm, Adan showed us his thriving tomato plants, though not without some concern. “There’s a disease affecting my crops, and it’s spreading. We’ve tried everything, but nothing seems to work,” he explained. The frustration is evident, but so is his optimism. MDALAG’s crop-disease reporting service, which connects farmers to agricultural experts, offers a promising solution. “If we can identify and treat the disease quickly, we’ll not only save money but become better farmers,” he added.
A farmer showcasing the disease that has affected many of their tomato plants.
This service, which allows farmers to report issues via a simple app or the dedicated 315 toll-free short-code, is a lifeline for communities where access to agricultural expertise is limited. For Adan, it represents a new chapter in the way he and his peers can manage their farms, bringing them closer to sustainable, profitable practices.
Beyond the fields, Adan’s story is one of collective resilience. The people of Buloburde have faced adversity with unwavering strength. Nearly a decade ago, the town was reclaimed from extremist groups by the Macawisley, a courageous group of local citizens who took up arms to protect their home. This spirit of unity and determination remains strong, not only in defending their community but also in rebuilding it together. Once isolated from the rest of the country, Buloburde is steadily rising from its past, a testament to the unyielding resilience and hope that define its people.
“Here, a farmer in need is a brother. We have our differences, but when someone needs help, we come together. ”
Looking Ahead with MDALAG
The introduction of MDALAG is a significant milestone for Buloburde and other regions like Afgooye, Dollow, Luuq, and Jowhar, where it is being rolled out. MDALAG is an innovative digital platform designed to connect farmers with vital agricultural services, including real-time market information, seamless tractor booking, and comprehensive crop disease reporting. By integrating these services into a user-friendly and mobile system, MDALAG empowers farmers to make informed decisions, optimize their operations, and improve their livelihoods.
A walkthrough of MDALAG's services by a Shaqodoon MIS Officer.
By leveraging cutting-edge technology like MDALAG , Shaqodoon and its partners aim to bridge the gap between farmers and essential resources. Through the EU Riverine Project, our mission is to support over 8,000 farmers by scaling up agricultural innovations that transform traditional practices. And with MDALAG, we’re not just offering services; we’re building a network of farmers who can access crucial information, receive expert guidance, and proactively safeguard their crops. This comprehensive approach enables farmers like Adan Abdi to navigate the challenges of modern farming, from finding the right equipment to managing crop health effectively.
By integrating innovative solutions and community-driven initiatives, we’re helping to cultivate a more resilient and prosperous agricultural sector. Together, we’re sowing the seeds for a brighter, more connected future—one farm at a time.