FIG-supported loan helps Afgoye farmer double his income through fodder production

Ali Hassan is a small-scale farmer in Afgoye district, located in the fertile Lower Shabelle region of Somalia. For years, Hassan watched as recurrent droughts devastated livestock across the region, leaving pastoralist communities struggling to find adequate feed for their animals. Recognizing the growing demand for animal fodder, he decided to shift part of his farming efforts toward producing and supplying quality feed to herders in his area.

His breakthrough came when he secured a $3,000 loan from IBS Bank, one of the partner financial institutions implementing the Financial Institutions Growth (FIG) programme in Somalia. With the support, Hassan was able to purchase improved fodder seeds, irrigation equipment, and farm tools to scale up production.

Today, Hassan cultivates 50 acres of brachiaria grass—a high-nutrition fodder variety well-suited for Somalia’s dry conditions. The grass has become a lifeline for many pastoralists in the Lower Shabelle region, providing reliable feed for their livestock even during harsh dry seasons.

Thanks to the expansion, Hassan’s income has more than doubled. He now earns an average of $1,500 every cutting period, up from $700 before accessing the loan. The increased earnings have allowed him to support his family comfortably, reinvest in his farm, and plan for further growth in fodder production.

“I’m proud that my farm is not only supporting my family but also helping herders keep their animals alive during difficult times,” Hassan said. “The loan changed everything for me.”

Through the FIG programme’s partnership with local financial institutions such as IBS Bank, more Somali farmers, like Hassan, are gaining access to credit and practical opportunities to strengthen their livelihoods and contribute to food and livestock security in their communities.