FIELD REPORT
Department: Dry Land Economics and Agro-ecosystem Management
Program: Dry Land Agriculture and Natural Resource Management
visit: 1 day
Date: 13-2-2019
Semester:6
Place of visit: Burao
Field report Prepared by: Nasra Mohamed Ibrahim (IA/40/16)
Contents
Introduction................................................................................................................................. 2
Trip objectives and aims............................................................................................................ 2
1. AL NAFOORA FARM .................................................................................................................. 3
Lessons learnt from the alnafoora farm ......................................................................................... 4
1. Different Plant pests and their control mechanisms ................................................................ 4
2. Water Harvesting .................................................................................................................. 4
SWOT analyses of the farm........................................................................................................ 4
TAYO FARM.................................................................................................................................. 5
Lessons learnt from tayo farm....................................................................................................... 6
Plant spacing ............................................................................................................................ 6
Fertigation................................................................................................................................ 6
SWOT analyses of the farm........................................................................................................ 6
Recommendation ......................................................................................................................... 7
Conclusion ................................................................................................................................... 7
Acknowledgment.......................................................................................................................... 8
1
Introduction
Crop farming is currently the second most important economic activity in Somaliland, after
livestock, with up to 20-25% of the population depending on it for their livelihoods. It is
currently underdeveloped but offers considerable potential, both in cereal and horticultura l
production. The production system is predominantly subsistence in nature. The principal cereal
crops are sorghum and maize grown for household level consumption, and fruit and vegetables
farming, mainly for sale. Dominant horticultural crops include tomatoes, lettuce, onions,
peppers, cabbages, oranges, lemons, and papaya.
On 13th February 2019, we visited Burao farming area with an aim of observing current
farming techniques and advanced technology in dryland farming ranging from greenhouses,
water harvesting techniques to a variety of crops and fruit trees. Cultivated crops of those areas
include; Tomato, cucumber, carrot, Onion and hot pepper. On the other hand, fruit trees
identified were; Pawpaw, oranges, lemon, dates and guava. Of these crops , Tomato, pawpaw
and sweet melon were the crops that had more demand. We were able to connect what we
learned in class with the actual activities conducted at the farms.
Trip objectives and aims
The main aim of the trip was to identify different farming techniques and how famers tackle
challenges they face during their day to day activities. Specific objectives were as follows:
1. To familiarize the practical work and evaluate our understanding of applying the theory
2. To get information how local farms works especially in togdheer region
3. Using our knowledge to find strengths and weakness of farms
4. To identify techniques and method used for farms in production
2
The following farms were covered during the trip:
1. AL NAFOORA FARM
Photo 2: planting desingn of alnafoora
Al nafoora farm is one of oldest farm in Burao. The farm is located in the center of burao and
it was established in 1997 by Saleban kulul. The land of the farm covers in 10,000m2 (5h).
farm’s advanced technology in dryland farming ranging from ,water harveting
techniques(dams, boreholes), and residue for mulching in cash crops as organic fertilizers,
fermented neem tree as pesticides, surface irrigation by making small canals, and imported
seeds from Dubai and United Arab Emirates, to a variety of crops and fruit trees. Cultivated
crops include; Tomato, Onion and hot pepper. On the other hand, fruit trees identified were;
Pawpaw, oranges, lemon, dates and guava. Of the crops observed, Tomato, cucuber and sweet
melon are the main crops that generate more income. Farm distribute their product through
Wholesaler, retailer and direct sell to consumer in the farm. Apart from selling fruits and
3
vegetables Farm is also the source of water for the city of burao and activies also going on in
the farm like leasing of farm machinary to the farmers.
Lessons learnt from the alnafoora farm
1. Different Plant pests and their control mechanisms
It was observed that Plant pests and diseases posed a major challenge to crop production at
alnafoora farm. Major insect pests identified were thrips, and white flies. Some the diseases
included powdery mildew and blossom end rot. We were able to appreciate the effects of weeds
on plant growth by comparing the effected ones and non – effected ones. The alnafoora staff
come up several management techniques to deal with insects, diseases and weeds. This
included farmanted neem plant leaves as pestcide and hot paper.
2. Water Harvesting
Despite the farm having a number of boreholes , it has had to grapple with the problem of
water salinity.. However, a major breakthrough was recently identified, water harvesting from
a neighbouring river into two main dams constructed within the farm. During rainy season, the
water is pumped from the river into the dams for storage and irrigation. One of the farm
attedants informed us that the harvested rain water is used to maximize the fertility and minize
salinity thus making it suitable for crop production.
SWOT analyses of the farm
Strength Weakness
Near to market Lack of account book
Good reputation Tree fruits was planted as aesthetic not for
commercial
High profit due to lack of transport Salinity due to surface irrigation
Have more numbers of farm machinery’s Lack of skilled laborers and poor spacing
of tree fruits
Not only for farm product always supply Diseases and poor practices
water to half of the town
High availability of water No accurate spacing between plants
4
TAYO FARM
Photo 3: observing tomatoes pest and diseases
Technology has had a great impact on agriculture. The productivity and yield of goods have
increased, and at the same time, it has proved to be profitable for the farmers. Tayo farm is the
biggest farm in togdheer region, it’s located near Burao approximately 12km. It was established
in 2016 by the Ismail Hared with land 36 hectare and 30 labors. Farm has advanced technology
in dryland farming ranging from drip irrigation, 20 green houses, GIS (geographic informa tio n
system) that help to set farm design and criteria classification farm and well spacing of trees,
insect trap. Other farming technology like agroforestry and intercropping to maintain the
production and profitability throughout the year. Tayo farm was advanced farm in terms of
technology and techniques that they were used, it was introduced new system for farming
practice and management. to a variety of crops and fruit trees. Cultivated crops include;
Tomato, Onion and hot pepper. On the other hand, fruit trees identified were; Pawpaw, oranges ,
lemon, and guava. Of the crops observed, Tomato, onion, pawpaw and sweet melon are the
5
main crops that generate more income. Farm distribute their product through Wholesaler,
retailer of burro residents.
Lessons learnt from tayo farm
Plant spacing
Due to resource constrain in Drylands, farming in these areas largely relies on proper plant
spacing. Plant population is therefore a critical determinant in crop performance. Tayo farm
shows us what proper planting spacing means with prefect plant spacing between plants and
between the rows with the specification of kind of plants or fruit trees.
Fertigation
This is the aplication of fertilizers and other chemicals together with irrigation water. we were
able to be taken through the entire process. The method which is seen as a move to cut on
labour costs also ensures that plants receive equal treament as the concentration of the drip
water is often the same. Moreover, the water is administered at the plant roots and does not
come into contact with the leaves. This helps in preventing moist conditions on the plant surface
often ideal for diseases multiplication.
SWOT analyses of the farm
Strength Weakness
Huge volume of production Diseases
Lack of proper harvesting strategy
High profit due to lack of transport
High yield
Skilled labor know how farming operate
High availability of water
6
Recommendation
Due to resource constrain in Drylands, farming in these areas largely depend on under ground
water . so for proper utilastion of these water and avoid salinity they suppose to:
Harvest rain water for future to minimize salinity that caused underground water
Planting cover crops for avoiding direct sunlight that cause the salinity and increase the
water evaporation.
And also palnting spacing of some crops such as red onion, garlic onion and carrot were not
appropriately done especialy alnafoora farm This led to crowding of plants and eventual
competiotion for resources which leads to poor growth and reduced yield. It was recommended
that thinning of the crops after germination would provide for an optimum plant populatio n
thus ensuring adequate availability of resources for plant growth and development. It was also
noted that correct plant spacing would minimise insects, weeds and disease as well as making
it easier to perform other farm operations
Tomato was identified as one of the most important crops for the tayo farm. This could be
attributed to the high demand for the crops among the consumers around burao. Proper
management of this crop is therefore of great concern if higher yields are envisaged. One of
the management techniques that we were able to familiarse themselves with was prunning. The
method involves the removal of extra branches that would otherwise flower and form fruits.
This technique only allows a number of branches to grow to full production, this provides them
with adequate resources such as water, nutrient and sunlight hence production of large and
quality tomato fruits. Moreover, the method helps in avoiding bushy environment often ideal
for insects and disease proliferation.
Conclusion
The one day field trip met its objectives which were meant to bridge the gap between the
theory taught us in class and the actual field work within togdheer region. We were able to
familiarize ourselves with the practical aspects of our class work, experience the hands- on
activities undertaken in farms, and appreciate the real scenarios and fundamentals upon
which our degree courses are embedded. This will go a long way for ensuring that when
we graduate will have the requisite knowledge required in the job market. Similarly, we
were able to identify a myriad of challenges and opportunities during the field trip. This
will in turn help us to be creative and innovative in dealing with the current challenges
experienced in the agricultural sector.
7
Acknowledgment
First, sincere gratitude to school administration for financing this field trip. Secondly, I want thank
my teachers (Wycliffe Ongachi and Mohamed Abdurrahman) who provided insight and
expertise that greatly assisted us throughout the field trip. Thanks to [saleeban kulul and ismail
hared, owners of the two farms] for assistance and allowing us to go through their farms and
explore the practical knowledge. We would also like to show our gratitude to the (for both staff
farms) for sharing their pearls of wisdom with us during the field.
8
9
