How Successful Dire Dawa Farmer Inspires Agricultural Revolution, Boosting Local Economy?

In the sun-drenched landscapes of Dire Dawa, Ethiopia, a remarkable tale of agricultural ingenuity unfolds. Jamal Ahmed Ziyad, known affectionately as "Jamal Bedesa" in his hometown and "Jamal Quchu" in trading circles, has emerged as a beacon of innovation and perseverance in the farming community.

Twelve years ago, Jamal embarked on a modest journey, planting just 100 papaya trees. Little did he know that this small step would lead to a flourishing empire of fruit cultivation. Today, his 10-hectare plot in the Melka Jebdu area stands as a testament to his vision and hard work, transformed into a lush forest of diverse fruit trees.

"I started with 100 papaya trees," Jamal recounts, his eyes gleaming with pride. "When I returned after some time, 80 of them had borne fruit. I knew then that this was just the beginning." Inspired by this initial success, Jamal boldly expanded his operation, planting 15,000 papaya trees. But Jamal's ambitions didn't stop there. His orchard now boasts a cornucopia of fruits: mangoes, lemons, oranges, soursops, bananas, and even sweet potatoes. "We've diversified beyond just fruit," he explains. "We produce seedlings too - orange, lemon, and various other types. It's become a complete ecosystem."

This agricultural oasis has become a vital supplier to hotels and service providers in Dire Dawa and its surroundings. Daily, trucks laden with fresh produce leave Jamal's farm, bringing a burst of natural flavor to the city's tables.

Jamal's success has rippled through the community, creating employment opportunities for 24 permanent workers. His annual revenue has soared to an impressive 15 million birr. "As I work on the land, I keep expanding my investments," Jamal says with quiet confidence. "Now, I'm even branching out into international freight forwarding." The impact of Jamal's work extends far beyond his own fields. Many farmers in the area have been inspired to follow in his footsteps, transitioning to fruit and vegetable cultivation. Jamal shares his knowledge freely, acting as a mentor to aspiring fruit farmers.

The government of Ethiopia has been taking various measures to increase agricultural productivity through modernization and diversification of the sector. The production of fruits is one of the areas that the government provides support to farmers with a view ensure self-sufficiency and encourage export as the country’s agriculture potential is untapped.  Mohammed Amin, Deputy Head of the Dire Dawa City Administration's Agriculture, Water, Minerals, and Energy Bureau, speaks highly of Jamal's contributions. "Jamal is a model among models," he states. "He's showing us that we can achieve food security through fruit cultivation, perhaps even more effectively than through traditional grain farming."

Jamal's vision for the future is as abundant as his orchards. He advocates for the wider adoption of solar-powered water pumps and other agricultural technologies. "With the right support," he asserts, "farmers here could produce surplus for the entire country." As the sun sets over Jamal's thriving orchard, casting long shadows across rows of fruit-laden trees, one can't help but feel a sense of optimism. In this corner of Ethiopia, a new agricultural revolution is taking root, promising a future as sweet and bountiful as the fruits that grow here.