Abdinasir Hassan Ahmed

  Legacy Lost: The Impact of Modernization on Somali Youth and Agricultural Heritage My name is Abdinasir Hassan Ahmed, and I grew up in a farming family where my father cultivated 10 hectares of land. He produced a diverse array of crops—barley, wheat, corn, beans, and millet. In my childhood, I watched as harvests were brought home and stored in barrels and pits, symbols of our food security and self-sufficiency. However, as I reflect on those days, I am increasingly concerned that today’s youth are drifting away from agriculture, risking the loss of our rich heritage. If this trend continues, we could face severe food shortages and a disconnection from our cultural roots. The allure of urban life is powerful for many young people today. They are drawn to the promise of modern jobs and lifestyles that seem more appealing than traditional farming. Unfortunately, this shift comes at a significant cost. With fewer youth engaged in agriculture, we are witnessing a decline in the esse...