Monday 6, Jan 2025 {HMC} Ethiopia has launched an ambitious project to irrigate over 112,000 hectares of land in the Somali region, a move hailed by locals as a game-changer for one of the country’s most underdeveloped areas. The plan, spearheaded by the Ministry of Irrigation and Lowland Areas, is expected to revitalize barren landscapes and improve livelihoods for tens of thousands.
Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed inaugurated the Gode Irrigation Infrastructure Project in the Shebele Zone today, describing it as a beacon of hope for the region. “Development is the path that unlocks opportunities, improves livelihoods, and transforms communities,” Abiy said during the event.
The Gode project, now operational, will cultivate 27,600 hectares of farmland and benefit over 53,000 people. Crops such as sesame, wheat, corn, and horticultural produce are already being grown, offering a glimpse of the area’s agricultural potential. Minister of Irrigation and Lowland Areas Abraham Belay noted that fewer than 3,500 hectares are currently being farmed in the Somali region, underscoring the need for expanded irrigation.
“By unlocking the full potential of this ecosystem, we aim to transform not just the landscape but the lives of its people,” Belay said. He emphasized ongoing research and design efforts to create irrigation systems that can sustainably develop more than 112,000 hectares.
The Somali region, long overlooked in Ethiopia’s development agenda, is uniquely suited for diverse agricultural production. It’s fertile soil and favourable conditions could position it as a critical contributor to the country’s food security and economic growth. However, realizing this potential requires substantial infrastructure investment and community engagement.
The Gode Irrigation Infrastructure Project is part of a government strategy to modernize agriculture in lowland areas. Ethiopia hopes to address food insecurity, create jobs, and boost rural economies by scaling up irrigation.
While the project has sparked optimism, experts caution that sustainability and equitable resource distribution will be key to its success.
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