By Magdalene Wanja - Reporter
Rice has been an important diet in Somalia for decades. However, its cultivation has faced a fair share of challenges, prompting the need for research, innovation, and improved farming practices.
In Jowhar, the capital of Hirshabelle State, rice production previously suffered from poor yields and low quality grains.
Over time, local rice varieties naturally mixed, creating a blend of different type that weakened overall grain quality. When this mixed variety was transported to processing facilities, the grains were more prone to breaking, resulting in a lower-quality final product.
To address this challenge and ensure a uniform, strong, and high-quality rice supply, Danwadaag, the durable solutions consortium, committed to agricultural development and crop productivity in Somalia, introduced seven new rice varieties. After several years of rigorous testing and evaluation, two superior varieties were identified and selected for widespread cultivation.
According to Yonis Abdi Farah, an Agricultural Extension Officer, these high-performing seeds were distributed to farmers in Jowhar to strengthen rice production and elevate the overall quality of rice grown in the region.
Since their introduction, rice quality has improved significantly, becoming purer, more consistent, and far less prone to breakage.
Abdi says, one of the key advantages of the improved rice varieties is their uniformity.
“Unlike the old local rice, which often arrived at the factory broken and inconsistent in size, the new varieties maintain uniform grain length and quality even after processing,” says Abdi.
“The farmers have now become more motivated to cultivate rice, leading to the development of a stronger and more reliable marketing system,” he adds.
Today, locally produced rice is sold in cities across Somalia and has reached many regions throughout the country, allowing people to access clean, high-quality rice that is available throughout the year.
However, rice cultivation requires extra dedication to record high yields. It demands a constant supply of water and continuous care throughout the growing season.
Abdi Adan, an agricultural Specialist, knows too well the amount of effort needed to record a good harvests having been involved in rice production for over four decades.
Adan reminisces his involvement in rice production in Jowhar with nostalgia. His testimony is proof to how far Jowhar from a little known rural hinterland to a leading rice producer in Somalia.
“In 1978, when I first arrived in Jowhar, a Chinese-operated rice factory was functioning here. I was recommended for a position because they were looking for someone who could speak both English and Italian.
More from Somalia
“After reviewing the situation, the ministry selected me while I was still working in Afgooye and transferred me to Jowhar. I committed myself fully to the project and even moved my family here so we could be part of the work,” he recalls.
Thanks to Adan and other experts, the number of people registered as rice farmers increased significantly. This achievement was in contrast to early days when only an average of 10, and at times as few as five individuals were involved in rice cultivation Jowhar and its surroundings.
“The establishment of commercial banks meant that agricultural loans became available, also aiding the rapid increase of rice of rice farmers,” he says.
The number grew beyond 100 as rice farming expanded to surrounding areas of Jowhar town. So popular was rice farming that it spread to areas 30 to 40 kilometers away from the city. Production levels also increased substantially.
“From that time until now, I have remained actively involved in the rice sector. Although formal agricultural knowledge is still limited among some farmers, communication has improved tremendously,” Adan adds.
This has improved with the introduction of technology like the mobile phones, where the farmers stay connected on a daily basis.
“I guide and advise farmers over the phone, teaching them how to cultivate rice and improve their farming practices,” says Adan.
However, It has not been all rosy. Rice growing in the area has also faced many challenges; the main one being depressed and unreliable rainfall.
Ali Yacqub Sheikh, a farmer in the area explains that rice is mostly planted during the Gu’ season, along with other similar crops.
“Although both the Gu’ and Deyr seasons are suitable for rice cultivation, the Deyr season generally offers better weather and climate conditions. The Gu’ season also supports rice farming, but it often brings more pressure and challenges,” Ali notes.
“Currently, our crops are struggling due to a lack of rainfall. Under normal circumstances, this rice variety would perform much better with adequate rain.
“This year, however, rainfall has been poor in both urban and rural areas, and that has negatively affected the quality and health of the rice,” he adds.
Mohamed Sheikh Mahmoud, Minister of Agriculture and Irrigation of Hirshabelle State, understands well the climate-related challenges that farmers face. The Minister says a new rice variety has been introduced to help improve yields.
“It was imported from Pakistan and is currently undergoing field trials. We are hopeful that if it proves successful, it will soon be distributed to farmers, helping to boost productivity and strengthen national agricultural output,” he adds.
Mohamed says the ministry has also taken steps to support farmers by improving their access to markets, noting that the growth of domestic production also depends on reliable markets.
“Whenever national production increases, it must be matched with consistent market access. If farmers can trust that their products will be sold, production will continue to expand and their motivation will increase,” the Minister says.
To ensure a stable market for locally produced rice, it has been agreed that government institutions must take the lead in the buying and consumption of the product.
The Ministry of Defense, including the armed forces, and the Ministry of Justice, including the Correctional Services, along with other government bodies, will procure and consume the locally grown rice. This initiative is intended to encourage farmers, promote consumption of domestic products, and strengthen local agricultural production.
More from Somalia
Editorial – Between Compassion and Reality: A Critical Reading of Farmaajo’s Speech
Nov 23, 2025
Features
Read more →
How a Bomb Blast Survivor is Transforming Lives in Mogadishu
Nov 23, 2025
Features
Read more →
Siaya’s New Patrol Boats Mark Turning Point in Lake Victoria Security and Fisheries Governance
Nov 21, 2025
Features
Read more →
