Research Report: Climate-Smart Agriculture As A Pathway To Food Security And Livelihood Recovery Among Displacement-Affected Communities In Burao, Somaliland

RESEARCH REPORT: Climate-Smart Agriculture as a Pathway to Food Security and Livelihood Recovery among Displacement-Affected Communities in Burao, Somaliland

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Climate-Smart Agriculture: Pathway to Food Security and Livelihood Recovery for Displacement-Affected Communities

Introduction

This detailed study is the result of a collaboration between Taakulo Somali Community and the University of Burao, supported by funding from the Novo Nordisk Foundation. It extensively explores Climate-Smart Agriculture (CSA) as an innovative approach to improving food security and supporting livelihood recovery for internally displaced persons (IDPs) in Somaliland.  In Somaliland, prolonged droughts, erratic rainfall, and limited arable land have significantly impacted traditional livelihoods, leading to widespread displacement and endemic poverty. Communities dependent on agriculture have been particularly hard hit, with women and children often bearing the brunt of these challenges as they navigate food insecurity and economic instability. This report highlights the implementing of CSA practices as a multi-dimensional solution aimed at tackling these issues sustainably, providing a framework for resilience amid adversity.

Research Objectives

The overarching goal of the research is to critically evaluate the role of CSA in improving food security, income stabilization, and women’s empowerment within displacement-impacted communities in Burao, Somaliland. The specific objectives include:

1. Assessing the impact of CSA on women's participation and decision-making in agriculture.

2. Measuring changes in malnutrition among vulnerable groups, particularly children under five and pregnant/lactating women (PLWs).

3. Analyzing improvements in food security and dietary diversity through quantifiable metrics.

4. Documenting the implementation process of CSA, identifying both challenges and opportunities for sustainability.

By focusing on these objectives, the study aims to generate empirical evidence that informs policy and programmatic strategies tailored to the unique context of Somaliland’s agricultural landscape and its vulnerabilities.

Methodology

The research employed a mixed-methods approach encompassing quantitative surveys and qualitative inquiries. Data was collected from three distinct sites: Durdur IDP Camp, Aqil-Yare community, and the University of Burao vicinity, involving 124 households—62 beneficiaries of CSA initiatives and 62 comparable non-beneficiaries.

Key qualitative components included focus group discussions (FGDs) and key informant interviews (KIIs) with stakeholders at multiple levels. This combination of methods facilitated a comprehensive understanding of the socio-economic contexts, barriers to CSA adoption, and the lived experiences of participants.

Key Findings

Food Security Enhancements: Central to the study's findings is the significant improvement in food security among households employing CSA practices. Data indicate that participants experienced a marked increase in food access and dietary diversity, with only 39% of families reporting instances of skipping meals down from 57% at baseline. The emphasis on home-grown vegetables has transformed eating habits, allowing families to provide more balanced diets for their children.

Economic Benefits: Economically, households engaged in CSA reported a transition from dependency on casual labor and humanitarian aid to generating income through their agricultural produce. Many families began selling surplus crops, which created a new financial stream, albeit modest. This shift is crucial in navigating the unstable job market prevalent in urban Somaliland.

Empowerment of Women: A critical theme emerging from the research centers on the empowerment of women, who play an essential role in CSA implementation. The findings revealed that 94% of women involved in CSA participated in decision-making about crop management, while 85% managed the income generated from sales. This empowerment notably reflects a significant cultural shift in gender roles, challenging traditional barriers and increasing women’s visibility in both the economic and community spheres.

Challenges and Barriers

Despite the successes reported, several persistent challenges were highlighted:

• Water Scarcity: Essential for agricultural productivity, many households struggle to secure water resources, limiting the effectiveness of CSA practices.
• Land Access: Limited or insecure land tenure remains a significant hurdle, particularly for IDPs who lack control over land, thereby restricting their ability to scale CSA activities.
• Technical Knowledge: Although initial training was provided, beneficiaries noted a pressing need for ongoing technical support to address issues like pest management and agricultural innovation.

These barriers underline the complexity of agricultural interventions in the context of displacement, suggesting that while CSA shows promise, additional structural support is required.

Recommendations

The report culminates in several strategic recommendations:

1. Enhancing Water Access: Implementing efficient irrigation technologies and community water management systems are critical for long-term sustainability.

2. Continuous Technical Support: Institutionalizing technical extension services will ensure beneficiaries receive ongoing training and support to maximize CSA practices.

3. Facilitating Access to Inputs: Establishing seed banks and fostering local markets for agricultural inputs will strengthen households’ ability to maintain productive gardens independently.

4. Strengthening Market Opportunities: Developing local markets for surplus produce alongside training in pricing and marketing will help transform individual agricultural efforts into viable income streams.

5. Fostering Gender and Youth Empowerment: Special initiatives that focus on women's leadership and youth engagement in CSA can further bolster community resilience and economic stability.

6. Integrating CSA into National Policy: Advocating for the recognition of CSA within broader climate resilience and agricultural policies will ensure systematic support for vulnerable communities.

Conclusion

This research highlights the transformative potential of Climate-Smart Agriculture as a pathway for enhancing food security, economic resilience, and women's empowerment in displacement-affected communities in Somaliland. The emphasis on innovative agricultural practices tailored to local conditions offers a sustainable solution to the profound challenges posed by climate change and resource limitations. While significant progress has been made, the persistent barriers identified underscore the need for holistic interventions that address water access, land security, and technical support. The recommendations provided serve as a roadmap for future programming, ensuring that the benefits of CSA can be scaled and sustained, offering hope for the future resilience of vulnerable communities in Somaliland.

Overall, the study affirms the crucial role that CSA can play in developing resilient pathways for displaced populations, ultimately contributing to a more food-secure and equitable future

Download here the Full Research Report