Green Fodder Production innovation The innovation is hydroponic fodder production, which offers a sustainable and efficient solution to the shortage of animal feed among pastoralists in Somalia. It enables pastoralists to grow animal feed using less water and land, and with faster growth rates, making it an effective alternative to traditional grazing practices.
Hydroponics fodder production among pastoralists in Somalia is new. Other methods of fodder production than direct grazing or market purchases to address livestock fodder shortages are non-existent. Findings from the baseline and end of hydroponics pilots indicated that market purchases accounted for 3-4% of fodder needs among households, which can be inconsistent as is heavily dependent on availability of money and seasonality. This innovation offers unique advantages in terms of its ability to provide consistent and reliable access to nutritious animal feed, regardless of weather conditions or availability of grazing lands. It therefore greatly supports dry season access to fodder for pastoralists.
Evidence gathered from the testing and piloting phase of the innovation shows a huge potential in solving the issue of inadequate animal fodder. These results compare positively with studies and experiences from other regions where hydroponic fodder production has been successfully implemented. The very first phase consisted of testing the viability. In July 2022, SADO completed the first experiment with onetray in their office backyard in Bardera to assess the viability of the hydroponic concept with basic items from the local market. 1 kilogram of maize seeds and 20 litres of water used in the hydroponic fodder production produced 4.1 kilograms5
of fodder, sufficient to feed 3 goats daily. Based on the success of the trial, it was decided to continue with 3-months pilot projects, which were implemented by 4 local partners - SADO, SSWC, Taakulo and Zamzam – between January and March 2023, expanding the number of trays, locations and involving the local communities/pastoralists. These pilots enabled a deeper understanding of the extent and nature of the challenge, and further allowed partners to develop and implement innovative solutions to address the challenge. The baseline-endlineanalysis showed positive results in terms of production of and access to fodder, animal health/production and household food
With this proposal, we propose to expand and increase the element of technical assistance and training for pastoralists to enable them to set up and operationalize the innovation with extremely limited resources.
The project target group and users are pastoralists in Somalia (Baidoa, Adado, Bardera, and Jariiban districts), who heavily rely on livestock for their livelihoods. They would be responsible for setting up the hydroponic units, growing and harvesting the hydroponic fodder to feed their animals. SADO will provide the overall technical guidance/support to SOMJR partners. The project aims to target both female and male-headed households at a ratio of 1:1 whenever possible. In instances where this is not possible, a 30:70 ratio will apply.
Since hydroponics fodder production among pastoralists is new in Somalia, partners will conduct comprehensive awareness-raising campaigns on the benefits of it to enhance adoption of the method. Pastoralists will also receive training and support on the technical aspects of hydroponic fodder production.
The target groups were included in the process of developing, using, or testing the solution through participatory approaches, learning by doing, cross-learning, etc. Three of the four implementing partners of the pilot will also be involved in the scale up. Beneficiary communities were involved in the baseline and endlines assessments that provided valuable information for the adoption of the innovation.
User-feedback will be collected regularly during the project to ensure that the innovation meets the needs of innovationend users. This will involve regular consultations with the target group through community meetings, focus group discussions, and feedback sessions to ensure continuous improvement and adaptation of the innovation.