Twelve years ago, Nimco was forced to flee her home in Mieso, Ethiopia with her nine children when violence erupted between Somali and Oromo communities. They left everything behind, their home, land, and source of income.
Nimco sows new roots
"The journey was terrifying. We faced hunger, thirst and walked for days with nowhere to go," the 45-year-old mother recalls.
Since then, Nimco has been trying to rebuild her life in Burqada, Somali Region, growing food on a small patch of land to feed her children. But it was always a struggle - until recently.
With support from the Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC), and through funding from EHF-OCHA, Nimco received improved seeds, essential tools, and training that changed everything.
“I never imagined I would harvest more than 3,000 kilograms of onions,” she says, her face lighting up. “This is a bright sign for the future. This production will allow me to do something better for my family and children.”
"The journey was terrifying. We faced hunger, thirst and walked for days with nowhere to go," the 45-year-old mother recalls.
Since then, Nimco has been trying to rebuild her life in Burqada, Somali Region, growing food on a small patch of land to feed her children. But it was always a struggle - until recently.
With support from the Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC), and through funding from EHF-OCHA, Nimco received improved seeds, essential tools, and training that changed everything.
“I never imagined I would harvest more than 3,000 kilograms of onions,” she says, her face lighting up. “This is a bright sign for the future. This production will allow me to do something better for my family and children.”
Turning a profit
Not only did she grow enough to feed her family, but she also sold her produce just as demand peaked, turning her first real profit in years.
“This is the best time for a harvest. I am meeting the market at a time of high demand,” Nimco proudly explains.
Today, Nimco is expanding her farm, investing in fertiliser and seeds.
“Now, I can pay farm-related costs to expand my cultivation. This will allow me to increase my production and sustain my livelihood.”
She’s no longer just surviving, she’s planning for the future, confident and hopeful.
Nimco’s journey is a reminder that with the right support, recovery is possible, even after years of loss.
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