Gobsoor Farm, founded by Mohamed Ahmed Cagaweyne in 2015, is a growing agricultural enterprise located in Arabsiyo, just outside Hargeisa. With support from One Earth Future's Shuraako program, the farm has demonstrated how farms, when strategically funded, can deliver significant economic and social returns. From job creation and economic growth to skill development and food security, Gobsoor Farm showcases the lasting impact of investment in agriculture.
Why Invest
Agriculture is foundational to economic growth, especially in regions like Somaliland where agriculture supports local food security and jobs. Shuraako’s investment in Gobsoor Farm has proven how funding for farms can catalyze growth, increase productivity, and improve the local economy.
Job Creation and Workforce Development
Investments in farms don’t just yield crops—they create jobs and help to develop a skilled workforce. Gobsoor Farm currently employs 14 people, including both local and international staff. With the guidance of Charles Omo, a Kenyan agronomist, the farm’s local workers are trained in modern, efficient farming techniques. This enhances productivity, builds local expertise, and provides valuable, transferable skills to the workforce.
Economic Growth
Shuraako’s latest loan allowed Gobsoor Farm to expand from 14 hectares to 32.5 hectares, purchase advanced equipment, and increase its crop output substantially. As a result, the farm has become a steady supplier of fresh produce to local markets, helping stabilize food prices and providing a reliable income for nearby wholesalers and vendors.
Innovation and Adaptability
Gobsoor Farm has leveraged funding to innovate its operations, making the farm more resilient and adaptable to market demands and climate challenges. For instance, the farm’s investment in 15 high-efficiency greenhouses allows year-round production of high-demand crops like tomatoes. Using different varieties like the F1 tomato seed, which is more adaptable to Somaliland’s climate, the farm can better manage risks associated with weather and labor challenges while maintaining high yields.
Positive Social Impact
As a trusted local food source, Gobsoor strengthens the region’s food security, reduces reliance on imported produce, and keeps agricultural spending within the community. This provides stability and aligns with broader goals of self-reliance and sustainable development. Gobsoor Farm’s growth illustrates how farms, supported by investment, are integral to both economic resilience and social development.
A Model for Future Investment
Farms are a crucial pathway for growth. With access to the right resources, farms can overcome financial and operational hurdles, generating substantial returns on investment as the benefits extend far beyond the farm itself.
