In Kenya's arid Wajir region, engineer Mohamed Hassan has shifted from livestock to innovative crop farming and beekeeping to combat persistent droughts. His efforts on a 40-acre farm produce drought-resistant crops and organic honey, employing over 40 locals. Hassan's initiatives inspire regional farmers and provide training opportunities.
Wajir, located in Kenya's North Eastern region, relies heavily on camel and cattle trading due to its harsh climate, which makes traditional crop farming difficult. Persistent droughts have caused widespread starvation among thousands and led to the death of numerous cattle, exacerbating food insecurity.
Mohamed Hassan, a 26-year-old engineer born and raised in Bute location, Wajir, faced these challenges firsthand when drought wiped out his family's livestock, leaving them without income. "Faced with the challenges of a changing climate and the loss of our cattle, turning to farming became my beacon of hope amidst the arid landscape," Hassan stated.
Determined to adapt, Hassan dedicated himself to learning farming techniques suited to the area. He selected drought-tolerant crops like maize, green grams, and cowpeas for his 40-acre farm. To manage water scarcity, he implemented rainwater harvesting and drip irrigation systems, alongside drought-resistant varieties to prevent crop failures.
Experts note that such crops can enhance nutrition for over 100,000 households by more than 25 percent, boost yields by 30 percent, and cut post-harvest losses by 30 percent.
In addition to crops, Hassan expanded into beekeeping. He first explored the skill at age 16 through the President’s Award Kenya program while at Alliance High School, starting actively at 18 post-graduation. With limited resources, he relied on YouTube and online tutorials. Beginning with 10 traditional hives, he now manages over 120 modern ones, handling all aspects from harvesting to packaging locally. "I began with 10 traditional hives. Today, I have over 120 modern hives. And we do everything, from harvesting to branding and packaging our own honey right here in Wajir," he explained.
His operations employ more than 40 people, including women and youth, in roles like apiary management and production. Hotelier Mohammed Hersi has pledged support: "For a start, I have offered to help young Mohamed to find a market for his organic honey. I buy a lot for my own use and will support him. Good honey is hard to find."
Currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Dryland Environment at Garissa University, Hassan plans to add value by extracting propolis and bee venom for pharmaceutical and skincare uses. His farm also serves as a training center, attracting farmers from across the region. "We also serve as a training hub. Farmers come from all over to learn. Seeing others learn from my journey is one of the most fulfilling aspects of this work," he added.
Hassan's success has motivated other locals to adopt similar practices, fostering community resilience against climate challenges.