Give Clean Water & Energy to 350 Somali Families

Dear Friends,

After three years of diligent and persistent work, the FSSFS project has reached its culmination. Our mission, led by CEFA, to support families in Puntland by enhancing their access to clean water for both irrigation and consumption, as well as improving food security and nutrition, has been accomplished.

Our efforts have been rewarded: the construction of an efficient irrigation system, the implementation of OffGrid Box technology, and our support for rural agricultural development have successfully met our predetermined objectives. With this final report, we aim to update you on the latest activities and accomplishments.

REHABILITATION AND CONSTRUCTION OF A SUSTAINABLE IRRIGATION SYSTEM

 With the goal of enhancing water accessibility for irrigation and establishing a sustainable irrigation system, CEFA undertook a three-phase initiative for rehabilitating and constructing irrigation infrastructures in Puntland. As of December 2023, the infrastructure construction and rehabilitation were completed, benefiting a total of 94 farmers, comprising 85 males and 9 females. Notably, 32.6 hectares of date farmland were successfully irrigated, surpassing our initial project target of 30 hectares. Additionally, 12 storage tanks were constructed, exceeding the target of 4, along with the installation of 37 solar systems, 364 solar panels, 37 solar pumps, and 2014 bubblers. Furthermore, 1301 meters of canals were constructed and rehabilitated, resulting in the irrigation of 2609 date palm trees.

OFFGRID BOX TECHNOLOGY: EMPOWERING FAMILIES WITH ENERGY AND CLEAN WATER

In a bid to reduce reliance on carbon fuels such as diesel for date palm irrigation and mitigate greenhouse gas emissions, the FSSFS project introduced OffGrid Box technology at the Eldahir pilot farm, which is operational and functioning effectively. This innovative technology utilizes solar energy to irrigate date palms and includes a water purification component, providing clean drinking water to 350 households.

SUSTAINABLE IMPROVEMENT OF DATE PALM PRODUCTION AND MARKETING

 Through participatory training sessions focusing on sustainable agricultural practices, water conservation techniques, and nutrition-sensitive agriculture, beneficiaries' capacity in managing their plants and fields has been strengthened. Additionally, 124 members of farmer associations received training on financial and administrative mechanisms, enhancing their negotiation skills for marketing their produce and fostering partnerships with the private sector. Moreover, 754 farmers received farm inputs in December 2023, including hoes, sickles, shovels, pruning saws, and pickaxes, bringing the total number of supported farmers to 1875 over the four-year FSSFS project duration. The establishment of date processing units further supports farmers' income generation through improved marketing opportunities, with three units currently operational. It has been demonstrated that under clear weather conditions, 50 kilograms of dates can be dried completely within three days. Once processed and packaged, farmers can sell dates at optimal quality and prices.

We take pride in the dedication and effort invested over the years, culminating in the successful achievement of our objectives. Above all, we are immensely delighted to have supported the communities and families of Puntland in enhancing their access to water, food security, and income sources. None of this would have been possible without your unwavering support and dedication, enabling us to assist Somali households and all individuals involved in the project. Thank you!