Harvesting Hope: Fatuma’s Hydroponic Farming Success in Baidoa

“Before, we used to farm and keep animals. But when drought and conflict intensified, we were forced to leave our home and seek safety in the city,” Fatuma explains, describing the circumstances that led her family to abandon their livelihood.

Life in Baidoa brought new challenges. Food was scarce, and uncertainty became part of everyday life.

“Most days, we survived on one meal. On a good day, we might have two, but that was rare,” she says. Her husband found occasional casual work, but the income was not enough to meet the family’s needs.

A new dawn through hydroponics

A turning point came when Fatuma learned about a hydroponic farming initiative supported by SOS Children’s Villages in Bonkaay village, on the outskirts of Baidoa, funded by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ).

The project supports 200 female-headed households who are without, or at risk of losing, stable sources of income. By introducing hydroponic farming, a climate-resilient technique that uses up to 90% less water than traditional agriculture, the initiative helps families adapt to changing environmental conditions while building sustainable livelihoods.

Joining forces for success

Motivated to change her situation, Fatuma joined a cooperative of 10 women. Together, they received practical training on greenhouse preparation, planting, crop management, harvesting, and marketing.

“I had never worked with this kind of farming before,” she says, excitement lighting up her face. “It was a whole new world for me.”

Fatuma harvesting fresh cucumbers from a greenhouse in Baidoa, November 2025

The establishment of the hydroponic greenhouses marked a significant shift. The women began producing fresh vegetables such as cucumbers, green peppers, tomatoes, spinach, and beetroot, foods that were previously sourced from distant regions and neighbouring countries.

Fresh produce: A new business model

As the first harvest approached, Fatuma set up a small stall along the roadside to sell the produce. Local residents, restaurants, and supermarkets quickly took an interest.

“Before, businesses had to bring vegetables from other provinces or even from outside the country,” she explains. “Now they can buy fresh produce from us at a much lower cost.”

The results have been tangible. Once a full-time housewife, Fatuma has transformed her skills into a decent and sustainable source of income, earning $240 per month from vegetable sales.

“I use part of the money to make sure my children can go to school,” she says. “Education is important for their future.” Her progress has also encouraged other women in the cooperative, reinforcing a sense of shared purpose and mutual support.

Fatuma and her fellow cooperative members prepare freshly harvested vegetables for market at their farm in Baidoa, November 2025.

Restoring dignity and building resilience

Fatuma’s experience highlights how access to skills, resources, and community-based support can help families move beyond survival.

“Thanks to SOS Children’s Villages and the donor. You have restored our dignity and given us a chance to survive in these difficult times,” she gratefully concludes.

This initiative serves as a lifeline, uniting internally displaced families and host communities while empowering women to build sustainable livelihoods. Fatuma’s journey from displacement to economic independence illustrates the far-reaching impact of climate-smart solutions in building resilient communities across Somalia.