The Sesame Demonstrations Plot Project, implemented by Development Aid Service & Research Organization (DARO) within the framework of the GEEL program supported by USAID, aimed to bolster sesame production in Somalia. The project’s primary objectives were to identify high-yielding sesame varieties and to enhance agricultural practices through training and demonstration plots. Despite facing various challenges such as civil unrest, inadequate investment, and climatic adversities, Somalia has remarkably increased its sesame production over the years. Recognizing the potential of this crop, the Growth Enterprise Employment and Livelihoods (GEEL) program, funded by USAID and implemented by Development Aid Service & Research Organization (DARO), embarked on a mission to enhance the sesame sector’s competitiveness.
The project, spanning from 2020 to 2022, aimed to address the challenges hindering sesame production by implementing demonstration plots and training sessions in Afgoye, Somalia. Through this initiative, the project aimed to identify high-yielding sesame varieties, improve agricultural practices, and empower local farmers with knowledge and skills. By leveraging partnerships and community engagement, the project sought to foster sustainable growth and resilience within Somalia’s sesame industry.
Key Achievements:
Variety Testing: The Dunyar and Humiera sesame varieties underwent trials in Afgoye, revealing Dunyar’s favorable performance, particularly within the demonstration plots.
Training and Demonstration: Five demonstration plots were established, engaging 249 farmers in practical training sessions. The curriculum encompassed diverse facets of sesame cultivation, including pest management and post-harvest techniques.