Crop production potential

The region has four major rivers, Wabi Shebelle, Genale, Dawa and Weyib which carry large amount of water throughout the year.  The region has also high underground water potential.

Sorghum and maize are the two staple food crops invariably cultivated by all farmers in the region, whether lowland or highland.  Other lowland crops such as sesame, groundnut, cotton and fruits like papaya, mango and some citrus are grown in scattered manner. Highland crops such as millet, teff, wheat and barley are cultivated along with some highland fruits by highland farmers in some parts of Jigjiga, Shinile, Liben and Afder zones.

About 70% of the rural population of the Somali Region are predominately pastoralists.  The remaining rural population are agro-pastoralist (18%) practicing both livestock rearing and crop production, and pure crop producers (12%) depending on the production of the different crops.

The agro-climatic condition of the region allow diversifying agricultural products by growing a variety of food crops that are adaptable to the agro-ecological zones of the region either under irrigation or rain fed. However, the large tract of cultivable area of which very small is currently under cultivation. The major crops that can be grown in the region include the following:-

• Cereal crops (maize, sorghum, millet and wheat),

• Oil crops (groundnut, sesame & castor oil),

• Pulses (pigeon pea, chick pea and mung bean),

• Industrial crops (cotton, sugar cane, tobacco, sisal and kenaf),

• Vegetables and fruits (green bean, sweet potato, muskmelon, asparagus, banana, papaya and grapes),

• Flowers,

• Insecticide plants,

• Agro forestry

Livestock, apiculture and fish resources

Livestock is a very important and critically required resource for the well being of the Somali society. The main species reared in the region include cattle, sheep, goats, equine and camels.  There are three district types of livestock production system based on the prevailing climatic conditions of the rangeland in the region. These are crop based mixed farming system, livestock based mixed farming system and pastoralist.

There is no reliable data on the livestock population of the region.  According to the estimate made by the socio-economic survey conducted in the region by IPS, the total population of livestock in the region is about 6,874,000 TLU, out of which cattle constitute about 44%, camel (30%), sheep (13%), goats (12%).  The average density of cattle per km2 of total area is about 11.7 which ranges from 4.9/km2 in Warder zone to 22.4/km2 in Jigjiga zone.

Cattle are the most important livestock species in the region by their dual product of milk and meat.  Small ruminants are the next most important animals that produce food and generate income.  Camels play significant role as a source of milk, meat and cash reserves.

Livestock mortality rate is very high owing to such factors as shortage of feed and water during the dry and drought periods, diseases, plant poisoning etc.

The prime feed resource available to the livestock in the region is natural vegetation.  The contribution of crop residues and aftermath grazing of cropped lands are negligible.  The overall sources of feed are not sufficient to support the livestock population found in the region at least during parts of the dry season.

Fishery is almost forgotten sub-sector in the region although rivers like Wabi Shebelle, Weyib and Dawa are expected to have huge fish potential.

Forest resources

The Somali Region is endowed with natural resources including bio-diversity which is rich in species of plants and animals. Of the entire flora in Ethiopia, 25% are represented in the region and 18% of these are endemic to the region and 135 plant families, 626 genera and species of plants are recorded in the region.  There are also a number of mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians which are adapted to the arid and semi-arid conditions of the region.

The region is known to have the potential for natural gum and incense yielding tree species that are dominant in Liben, Fiq and Afder zones as well as Gode and Korahe zones.  The wild animals which are known to exist in the region include lion, hyena, leopard, fox, hunting dog, crocodile, oryx, zebra, baboon, giraffe ostrich, hippopotamus, monkey and a variety of birds.

The main climax vegetation classes in the region are:-

• Acacia - bussel open woodland,

• Accacia - commiphora bushland,

• Ever-green/semi-ever-green scrubland,

• Semi-desert Acacia bussel scrab land, and

• Riparian forests.

Presently the forest resources of the region are used as fodder for livestock, source of bio-fuels, construction materials, traditional medicines and source of natural gum, incense and myrrh.

Despite their importance for local economies and the livelihood of the people, the forest resources of the region are neglected.

Agricultural Marketing

Marketing of agricultural products is analyzed by considering the situation in each zone of the region.  Marketing of various agricultural products such as grains, live animals, hides and skins, honey, fruits and vegetables, forest products are practiced in the region to a varying degree.  Observation of the data collected on prices of the products revealed the existence of price fluctuation.

Factors such as food availability situation in the neighbouring Somalia Republic, and distribution of relief food at the refugee centers have significant impact on the supply and prices of grain in the area.

With respect to livestock marketing, most of livestock marketing is through smuggling. Absence of resting places, the poor communication system coupled with lack of trucks to transport the live animals is the major constraints to live animal trade.  With respect to other agricultural products, the export market to the neighbouring countries is not yet exploited and hence expansion of the various agricultural commodities cannot be hampered by lack of marketing outlet in the future.

As far as grain marketing is concerned, the Somali Region is not surplus producing and consequently possibility of its supplying grain to other regions is very remote at the moment.  However, to encourage flow of grain into the region, an enabling environment should be created to encourage private grain dealers. 

The Erer Woreda has a high potential for fruits and vegetables production under irrigation.  In this regard the markets of Dire Dawa and the export market of Djibouti can still absorb increased production.

The Liben Zone has a high potential for the production of natural gum and different incenses.  However, the marketing of these products has not been developed starting from harvesting up to sales.  Hence, concerned Bureaus need to organize strong extension system staffed with trained personnel who follow-up and demonstrate to those involved in the collection the best way of harvesting and selling including the organization of service co-operatives.

Livestock marketing centers in the region are not well organized and lack basic facilities.  The extent of illegal livestock trade in the region is of an alarming proportion.  In order to promote livestock trade in the region, there should be regulations which involve, among others, the establishment and maintenance of organized livestock markets and slaughter facilities and collection of levies on these services as well as regulations which pertain to livestock movement and mode of its transport.