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Food supply and security in SL

Somali government affairs.

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juzme123
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Food supply and security in SL

Postby juzme123 » Thu Feb 03, 2011 12:18 pm

Horto what's the current situation of food supply and security of basic staple foods in JSL.

I know that a lot of things are imported from overseas and some fruit and veg are imported from Somalia and Ethiopia. There has also been an increase in the domestic food production especially in western Somaliland.

So my questions are:

- What foods are imported and what foods are produced domestically
- What is the official government policy towards agriculture and food production and what is the pace of progress
- Besides the main agricultural belt in western Somaliland, are there any other existing or potential food producing areas
- Is there an active import substitution policy (e.g. the rice story) and could some of the imported foods be grown domestically.
- What foods can Somaliland become sulf-sufficient in and possibly export.

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Re: Food supply and security in SL

Postby juzme123 » Thu Feb 03, 2011 12:36 pm

I also wanted to say that we must ensure that the arable land in Somaliland is not built upon. The urbanisation of Somaliland has meant that buildings are springing up everywhere, a land survey must be done and local, regional and national government must ensure that arable land is presreved and not built upon.

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Re: Food supply and security in SL

Postby juzme123 » Thu Feb 03, 2011 1:08 pm

AGRICULTURE IMPROVEMENT & INOVATION FOR SOMALILAND

Author: Abdirahim A. Harbi

Our country relies heavily on food imports, nearly spending $200 million US annually, money that could be put to good use at home. Aside from draining the nation’s hard-earn capital, it has multiple other disadvantages including exposing the nation to food insecurities and price fluctuations at the mercy of importers, which is further exacerbated by global warming, deteriorating agricultural lands around the world, rising world population, negative speculations and increasing global demands.

B- Developing Viable Agro-industrial Sector
Studies now clearly show that in the last quarter century some countries have been successful in prevailing over the tests of development and industrialization by partly embracing Agro-industrial Development1, 2. In all of these economies, Agro-industrial Development (which is the development and mechanization of agriculture and associated technologies) has played a significant role in transforming them from dormant economies to more vibrant ones that truly perform.

Our aim is to use those economies as a model in undertaking similar transformation in Somaliland in such a way that it conforms to our local developmental schemes of what is realistically feasible, but also guided by an all encompassing mechanization strategies and policies that ensure solid foundations, and sustainable development. We also need to learn from the mistakes of those 3rd world economies that had tried similar approaches, but failed to consider and address the negative consequences of this massive undertaking.

1- Catalyst for Agro-industrial Development:

As a private enterprise armed with the investments, dreams and talents of Somaliland’s Global Diaspora, we can serve as an important catalyst for the emergence of an essential industry in Somaliland. Having this free enterprise comprising people who have vested interest in the well being and development of their nation, we can create the long term dedication and commitment needed to realize all of its goals from its inception to its implementation.

Exploiting the ambitions and approach of the Somaliland Association of Professionals (SLAP), we can also utilize the rare collection of investors, professionals and teams from the Global Diaspora in accomplishing the goals of any important projects such as this. Committees could be nominated from the list of Membership of Somaliland Association of Professionals (SLAP) whose expertise will be needed in the implementation stage of the projects. The funds for the projects could be extracted from interested investors from this association or anyone who wish to play an active role in contributing to these kind of projects, hence; providing an important investment opportunities for the 21st Century.

What could also work well is a partnership with the government in investing and allocating portion of its annual budget to this venture. Currently we are asking initial investment of only $2 million/year for the next 5-10 years. The tax revenue collected on those products alone can serve as important return for their investment.

2- Need for Agricultural Mechanization

Creation of a practicable green revolution is Somaliland should start with the mechanization of agriculture. Sub-Saharan Africa’s disappointingly poor contribution to the mechanization of agriculture has inevitably helped in missing out on the green revolution and hampered any chance of industrial and economic progress. In other regions of the world that have undertaken this mechanization scheme, the mechanization process is almost always correlated with increased food production, reduced hardship and laborious farm activities, spurred rural development and thriving market systems, improved employment and rural lifestyle and growth of agriculture-led industrialization1.

Nonetheless, we are aiming for the simultaneous development and growth of hosed of other industries that are intimately tied to the growth of this important sector including the food processing industry, distribution industry, transportation industry, research in agriculture, and educational and institutional development among others. All of these not only provide jobs and increased economic prosperity by keeping hard earned capital in the nation and increasing export potential of national products, but also contributes to the national GDP immensely. You can appreciate the importance attached to this sector when one examines an important statistic released by the World Trade Organization (WTO) showing that for over 50 developing countries examined, agriculture accounts for 1/3 of their export earnings, whereas for 40 of them it accounts for over 1/2 of their export earnings3, 1.

Now that we can appreciate the potential and benefits of agricultural mechanization, we need to consider the host of other factors that could enhance its success. It is extremely essential that this achievement is augmented by the introduction of environmentally friendly irrigation systems and use of non-toxic fertilizers that improve soil condition and crop yield. If this is backed up by research in agriculture such as that in which high yielding crop varieties are selected, Somaliland will be closer to realizing its green revolution.

3- Planning for Mechanization

It is not surprising to encounter some apprehension when it comes to undertaking a project of this magnitude and scale. It is no easy task, but it can be realized with sufficient level of expertise and foresight on all of our parts. We have taken the first initiative to locate international companies specializing in the manufacture of agricultural products that streamline their products making them unlike the conventional bulky type. These companies are committed to the simplicity of design and high quality construction of their products. Such streamlining of often bulky type of pre-harvest and post-harvest agricultural products including very dynamic tractors that are designed to reduce the need for complicated repairs, and replacement of expensive and unnecessary spare parts.

This translates into more efficient exploitation and use of these quality products while reducing expenditure at the same time. Our grand scheme also includes initially contributing and establishing local distributions and dealers, while also developing plans to trained skilled workers who can perform essential tasks related to operations, replacement and repair of these products, providing crucial local market places that encourage agricultural-led light industrialization.

As the demand for these company products increases, there will be strong incentives for the manufacture or assembly of these products at home. Somaliland could become a nucleus of expansion and agricultural-led industrialization. Same goes for driving up a host of other linked sectors that encourages companies and industries doing business in irrigation, fertilizers and processing.

Another grand-scheme that fits into the ambitions of Somaliland Association of Professionals-(SLAP) is the concept of Agro-resource sharing and creation of economic-zones established by forming co-operation among residents of productive farming area that hold fragments of land13. Amalgamation creates massive land, that is when managed together creates opportunities far greater than that would otherwise be envisioned. The idea is to transform these resident farmers from mere subsistent farmers to farmers who have stake in major investment. They become partners in bigger co-operations that not only provide employment, but also present them with business and entrepreneurial opportunities. The possibilities are indeed endless and impact rural economic growth immensely. The government also has huge track of land available, which could be used likewise making it an important share holder while also profiting by taxing produce and services. Land availability should not be an issue in Somaliland today, since only 3% of its 7% viable agricultural land is under caltivation2.

4- Complete Success Depends Greatly on Avoiding the Negative Consequences of this Massive Undertaking Learned from Previous Economies that Have Tried Similar Approaches

The benefits are enormous, translating into vibrant economy, increased productivity and food security, local and national prosperity, and significant contribution to nation’s economic diversification efforts and improved national GDP. The impact on health is also enormous given the increased availability of nutritious wholesome produce. It would also spur a needed agricultural education and research, putting us steps closer to realizing green revolution.

The main hallmarks of the green revolution that much of Africa missed and was not part of, are the use of irrigation systems and the use of dwarf varieties of plants (like rice and wheat) which provide more food/plant and often requires the use of chemical pesticides and synthetic fertilizers to fight off infection and increase crop yield12. And although much of the legacy of the green revolution the world had witnessed had led to profound agricultural successes around the world such as resulting in an extremely high crop yield to feed the worlds’ burgeoning population and lowering the prices of staple crops around the world, its legacy has also been one that has done considerable ecological damage and harmed to human health.

These adverse outcomes associated with the green revolution result from the risks associated with its hallmark features mentioned above. In order to fully benefit from the green revolution, first we need to know the costs associated with each and every hallmark features mentioned earlier and set out alternatives for these problems by coupling our knowledge with lessons learned from affected third world farm communities’ past experiences.

In much of the third world, especially in certain Asian countries including India, the legacy of the green revolution has been one of heart-ache for poor farm communities. Overly intense irrigations have led to aquifer depletion and increased soil salinity affecting the quality of agricultural land. Similarly, contaminated soil and pesticide poisoning due to improper or over-use of pesticides and fertilizers often resulted in aquifer poisoning and consequential genetic and birth abnormalities affecting community health12.

Irrigation: tends to double yield in contrast to rain-fed fields which is now commonly employed practice throughout the country and can do wonders for farmers when it is introduced the right way, but there are associated risks. Increased irrigation results in intensified fresh-water use, draining natural aquifers (a geological term used to indicate rocks underneath the surface of the earth which absorbs and holds water) which overtime also increases soil salinity when evaporated water leaves behind dissolved minerals and ions including salt, increasing the salinity of the soil, adding to the deterioration of agricultural land and diminishing its productivity. Certain modern water techniques had been shown to be very promising and they include soil-moisture monitoring and drip-irrigation which employs technologies that conserve water usage.


Chemical: pesticides reduce susceptibility of plants to such pests as insects and disease when planted densely, but run-off and residue in food increases the frequency of genetic and birth defects, negatively impacting on human health and the environment in a drastic way. The negatives could be totally eliminated by employing sustainable farming practices including composting, agro-forestry and interplanting with legumes12. But what could be a major devastating blow to agriculture in Somaliland and is highly concerning is the constant fear and outbreak of locust throughout our land. This makes a total elimination of pesticide use unrealistic at this point, but targeted use and moderation can be helpful in preventing potential problems.

Dwarf: varieties have bigger grain-size as compared to their cousins hence providing more food. Although seeds could be acquired at a cost, the maintenance of these varieties can outweigh their benefits, so I would recommend choosing and using a suitable local varieties highly adapted to this harsh environment that can provide better yield with the help of responsible and appropriate irrigation system and natural fertilizers.

Given the fact that the Horn of Africa is crater of independent and home grown agriculture development, where it exist a long history of local plant crop domestication, there is collection of African plant crops that are not available anywhere else. This diversity of plants can be exploited for greener revolution and plant husbandry. Targeted breeding can create hybrid plants by cross-breeding plants selected for specific traits for superior yield. In this technique traditionally bred plants with desired traits, say for instance drought resistance can be selectively crossed with genetically modified plants with other sets of desired traits such as nitrogen efficient and pest resistant or improved photosynthetic rate. There is a role in research for the agricultural departments in our universities in conducting crucial agriculture related studies and overcoming these forms of challenges. SLAP’s network which pools together diverse and talented professionals from Somaliland and from the Diaspora can play essential role in selecting suitable professionals for appropriate position.

Synthetic fertilizers: help these varieties attain greater yield that otherwise is achievable, which means increased productivity and possibly greater surplus, but they have equally negative impact on human health as pesticides. The best and save alternative that is currently sought after is the use natural fertilizers, such as mixture of animal manure and burned plant straw otherwise known as mulching. Less harmful fertilizers that have close to zero or greatly reduced negative effects on human health and the environment can also be employed. Currently, oil is the main source for nitrogen fertilizers and as the cost of fuel skyrockets so is their cost. They are also major pollutants of aquifers and streams. So the natural source is the best and naturally sustainable alternative.

CONCLUSION:

The green revolution that I am proposing in Somaliland, however; is one that reduces or eliminates the negative impacts of those hallmarks, modifies aspects of the green revolution and amplifies its benefits for more modern and greener revolution. We can accomplish this by coming up with an integrated system combining the knowledge and spirit of all Somalilanders, the experience of our local communities and that of the world community, education and training with sound mechanization schemes, and a coordinated efforts between government agencies and the private sector.

User avatar
juzme123
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Posts: 1653
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Re: Food supply and security in SL

Postby juzme123 » Thu Feb 03, 2011 1:09 pm

AGRICULTURE IMPROVEMENT & INOVATION FOR SOMALILAND

Author: Abdirahim A. Harbi

Our country relies heavily on food imports, nearly spending $200 million US annually, money that could be put to good use at home. Aside from draining the nation’s hard-earn capital, it has multiple other disadvantages including exposing the nation to food insecurities and price fluctuations at the mercy of importers, which is further exacerbated by global warming, deteriorating agricultural lands around the world, rising world population, negative speculations and increasing global demands.

B- Developing Viable Agro-industrial Sector
Studies now clearly show that in the last quarter century some countries have been successful in prevailing over the tests of development and industrialization by partly embracing Agro-industrial Development1, 2. In all of these economies, Agro-industrial Development (which is the development and mechanization of agriculture and associated technologies) has played a significant role in transforming them from dormant economies to more vibrant ones that truly perform.

Our aim is to use those economies as a model in undertaking similar transformation in Somaliland in such a way that it conforms to our local developmental schemes of what is realistically feasible, but also guided by an all encompassing mechanization strategies and policies that ensure solid foundations, and sustainable development. We also need to learn from the mistakes of those 3rd world economies that had tried similar approaches, but failed to consider and address the negative consequences of this massive undertaking.

1- Catalyst for Agro-industrial Development:

As a private enterprise armed with the investments, dreams and talents of Somaliland’s Global Diaspora, we can serve as an important catalyst for the emergence of an essential industry in Somaliland. Having this free enterprise comprising people who have vested interest in the well being and development of their nation, we can create the long term dedication and commitment needed to realize all of its goals from its inception to its implementation.

Exploiting the ambitions and approach of the Somaliland Association of Professionals (SLAP), we can also utilize the rare collection of investors, professionals and teams from the Global Diaspora in accomplishing the goals of any important projects such as this. Committees could be nominated from the list of Membership of Somaliland Association of Professionals (SLAP) whose expertise will be needed in the implementation stage of the projects. The funds for the projects could be extracted from interested investors from this association or anyone who wish to play an active role in contributing to these kind of projects, hence; providing an important investment opportunities for the 21st Century.

What could also work well is a partnership with the government in investing and allocating portion of its annual budget to this venture. Currently we are asking initial investment of only $2 million/year for the next 5-10 years. The tax revenue collected on those products alone can serve as important return for their investment.

2- Need for Agricultural Mechanization

Creation of a practicable green revolution is Somaliland should start with the mechanization of agriculture. Sub-Saharan Africa’s disappointingly poor contribution to the mechanization of agriculture has inevitably helped in missing out on the green revolution and hampered any chance of industrial and economic progress. In other regions of the world that have undertaken this mechanization scheme, the mechanization process is almost always correlated with increased food production, reduced hardship and laborious farm activities, spurred rural development and thriving market systems, improved employment and rural lifestyle and growth of agriculture-led industrialization1.

Nonetheless, we are aiming for the simultaneous development and growth of hosed of other industries that are intimately tied to the growth of this important sector including the food processing industry, distribution industry, transportation industry, research in agriculture, and educational and institutional development among others. All of these not only provide jobs and increased economic prosperity by keeping hard earned capital in the nation and increasing export potential of national products, but also contributes to the national GDP immensely. You can appreciate the importance attached to this sector when one examines an important statistic released by the World Trade Organization (WTO) showing that for over 50 developing countries examined, agriculture accounts for 1/3 of their export earnings, whereas for 40 of them it accounts for over 1/2 of their export earnings3, 1.

Now that we can appreciate the potential and benefits of agricultural mechanization, we need to consider the host of other factors that could enhance its success. It is extremely essential that this achievement is augmented by the introduction of environmentally friendly irrigation systems and use of non-toxic fertilizers that improve soil condition and crop yield. If this is backed up by research in agriculture such as that in which high yielding crop varieties are selected, Somaliland will be closer to realizing its green revolution.

3- Planning for Mechanization

It is not surprising to encounter some apprehension when it comes to undertaking a project of this magnitude and scale. It is no easy task, but it can be realized with sufficient level of expertise and foresight on all of our parts. We have taken the first initiative to locate international companies specializing in the manufacture of agricultural products that streamline their products making them unlike the conventional bulky type. These companies are committed to the simplicity of design and high quality construction of their products. Such streamlining of often bulky type of pre-harvest and post-harvest agricultural products including very dynamic tractors that are designed to reduce the need for complicated repairs, and replacement of expensive and unnecessary spare parts.

This translates into more efficient exploitation and use of these quality products while reducing expenditure at the same time. Our grand scheme also includes initially contributing and establishing local distributions and dealers, while also developing plans to trained skilled workers who can perform essential tasks related to operations, replacement and repair of these products, providing crucial local market places that encourage agricultural-led light industrialization.

As the demand for these company products increases, there will be strong incentives for the manufacture or assembly of these products at home. Somaliland could become a nucleus of expansion and agricultural-led industrialization. Same goes for driving up a host of other linked sectors that encourages companies and industries doing business in irrigation, fertilizers and processing.

Another grand-scheme that fits into the ambitions of Somaliland Association of Professionals-(SLAP) is the concept of Agro-resource sharing and creation of economic-zones established by forming co-operation among residents of productive farming area that hold fragments of land13. Amalgamation creates massive land, that is when managed together creates opportunities far greater than that would otherwise be envisioned. The idea is to transform these resident farmers from mere subsistent farmers to farmers who have stake in major investment. They become partners in bigger co-operations that not only provide employment, but also present them with business and entrepreneurial opportunities. The possibilities are indeed endless and impact rural economic growth immensely. The government also has huge track of land available, which could be used likewise making it an important share holder while also profiting by taxing produce and services. Land availability should not be an issue in Somaliland today, since only 3% of its 7% viable agricultural land is under caltivation2.

4- Complete Success Depends Greatly on Avoiding the Negative Consequences of this Massive Undertaking Learned from Previous Economies that Have Tried Similar Approaches

The benefits are enormous, translating into vibrant economy, increased productivity and food security, local and national prosperity, and significant contribution to nation’s economic diversification efforts and improved national GDP. The impact on health is also enormous given the increased availability of nutritious wholesome produce. It would also spur a needed agricultural education and research, putting us steps closer to realizing green revolution.

The main hallmarks of the green revolution that much of Africa missed and was not part of, are the use of irrigation systems and the use of dwarf varieties of plants (like rice and wheat) which provide more food/plant and often requires the use of chemical pesticides and synthetic fertilizers to fight off infection and increase crop yield12. And although much of the legacy of the green revolution the world had witnessed had led to profound agricultural successes around the world such as resulting in an extremely high crop yield to feed the worlds’ burgeoning population and lowering the prices of staple crops around the world, its legacy has also been one that has done considerable ecological damage and harmed to human health.

These adverse outcomes associated with the green revolution result from the risks associated with its hallmark features mentioned above. In order to fully benefit from the green revolution, first we need to know the costs associated with each and every hallmark features mentioned earlier and set out alternatives for these problems by coupling our knowledge with lessons learned from affected third world farm communities’ past experiences.

In much of the third world, especially in certain Asian countries including India, the legacy of the green revolution has been one of heart-ache for poor farm communities. Overly intense irrigations have led to aquifer depletion and increased soil salinity affecting the quality of agricultural land. Similarly, contaminated soil and pesticide poisoning due to improper or over-use of pesticides and fertilizers often resulted in aquifer poisoning and consequential genetic and birth abnormalities affecting community health12.

Irrigation: tends to double yield in contrast to rain-fed fields which is now commonly employed practice throughout the country and can do wonders for farmers when it is introduced the right way, but there are associated risks. Increased irrigation results in intensified fresh-water use, draining natural aquifers (a geological term used to indicate rocks underneath the surface of the earth which absorbs and holds water) which overtime also increases soil salinity when evaporated water leaves behind dissolved minerals and ions including salt, increasing the salinity of the soil, adding to the deterioration of agricultural land and diminishing its productivity. Certain modern water techniques had been shown to be very promising and they include soil-moisture monitoring and drip-irrigation which employs technologies that conserve water usage.


Chemical: pesticides reduce susceptibility of plants to such pests as insects and disease when planted densely, but run-off and residue in food increases the frequency of genetic and birth defects, negatively impacting on human health and the environment in a drastic way. The negatives could be totally eliminated by employing sustainable farming practices including composting, agro-forestry and interplanting with legumes12. But what could be a major devastating blow to agriculture in Somaliland and is highly concerning is the constant fear and outbreak of locust throughout our land. This makes a total elimination of pesticide use unrealistic at this point, but targeted use and moderation can be helpful in preventing potential problems.

Dwarf: varieties have bigger grain-size as compared to their cousins hence providing more food. Although seeds could be acquired at a cost, the maintenance of these varieties can outweigh their benefits, so I would recommend choosing and using a suitable local varieties highly adapted to this harsh environment that can provide better yield with the help of responsible and appropriate irrigation system and natural fertilizers.

Given the fact that the Horn of Africa is crater of independent and home grown agriculture development, where it exist a long history of local plant crop domestication, there is collection of African plant crops that are not available anywhere else. This diversity of plants can be exploited for greener revolution and plant husbandry. Targeted breeding can create hybrid plants by cross-breeding plants selected for specific traits for superior yield. In this technique traditionally bred plants with desired traits, say for instance drought resistance can be selectively crossed with genetically modified plants with other sets of desired traits such as nitrogen efficient and pest resistant or improved photosynthetic rate. There is a role in research for the agricultural departments in our universities in conducting crucial agriculture related studies and overcoming these forms of challenges. SLAP’s network which pools together diverse and talented professionals from Somaliland and from the Diaspora can play essential role in selecting suitable professionals for appropriate position.

Synthetic fertilizers: help these varieties attain greater yield that otherwise is achievable, which means increased productivity and possibly greater surplus, but they have equally negative impact on human health as pesticides. The best and save alternative that is currently sought after is the use natural fertilizers, such as mixture of animal manure and burned plant straw otherwise known as mulching. Less harmful fertilizers that have close to zero or greatly reduced negative effects on human health and the environment can also be employed. Currently, oil is the main source for nitrogen fertilizers and as the cost of fuel skyrockets so is their cost. They are also major pollutants of aquifers and streams. So the natural source is the best and naturally sustainable alternative.

CONCLUSION:

The green revolution that I am proposing in Somaliland, however; is one that reduces or eliminates the negative impacts of those hallmarks, modifies aspects of the green revolution and amplifies its benefits for more modern and greener revolution. We can accomplish this by coming up with an integrated system combining the knowledge and spirit of all Somalilanders, the experience of our local communities and that of the world community, education and training with sound mechanization schemes, and a coordinated efforts between government agencies and the private sector.


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