History of Jalalaqsi ‘my town’

Jalalaqsi is the southernmost district of Hiiraan Region. It is located Downstream of Buulo-Barde. The inhabitants of this district are mainly Agro-pastoralists who commonly grow cereals and sesame through Pumped irrigation. In this area, sand dunes are common and encroach

On the flood plain to the east. Sand dunes limit expansion of the flood plain and the mobile sections of the Dunes pose risks to the flood plain cultivated areas of Shug and mool-xunboy.

Farming activities on both sides of the river are limited and seem to be pushed down by the sand dunes. Jalalaqsi town started as a tiny village occupied by agro pastoralists.

In the late 1970s many Somalia refugees ‘Ogaden clan’ were resettled in the town. In 1985, a bridge was constructed on the main road linking the East and west parts of the town. After the Somalia from Ethiopian refugees returned home, the population and economic activities of the town increase significantly.  This area rarely floods because the surrounding area has higher elevation than the river valley. The crops in this section are vast and comprise mainly of expansive cereal Fields. The flood plain of the Shabelle River around Jalalaqsi town is narrow. The area extending beyond the flood plain rises above the river valley. Irrigated agriculture in the area is only possible through use of pumps. Small hills exist in the area, as can be seen marked by the dense contours upstream of section B-B’ but the slopes are gentle in many parts of Jalalaqsi. 

This bridge connects the two parts of Jalalaqsi and to the north-eastern part of the country.

The earth road leading to the town may be a challenge to motorists during wet seasons Jalalaqsi experiences eight dry months with mean monthly rainfall of 10 mm or less. The only wet months are April and May with mean monthly rainfall amounting to 71 mm and 75 mm respectively, then October and November where the average monthly rainfall measures 88 mm and 51 mm respectively. Mean daily temperatures are high, above 210C throughout the year.

Shallow wells dominate the strategic point water sources found in Jalalaqsi. Most of the shallow wells are located some distance away from the river, implying that majority of the population living along the river rely on water directly from the river. Boreholes are not very common in this area.

-Ali Abdulle Hilowle

-Twitter/Alihilowle8

-Calikaafi9@gmail.com