Camels at the heart of Somalia’s agricultural transformation

Camels Drive Somalia Farming Revolution with Dairy Innovation

Camels have long symbolized Somalia pastoral heritage transporting goods, nourishing families, and defining local folklore. Today, near Mogadishu, these resilient animals are at the forefront of an agricultural transformation redefining Somali farming.

Modern Camel Dairy Emerges
On the outskirts of the capital, the Beder Camel Farm stands among a new wave of camel dairies. Dozens of camels roam sandy paddocks, graze on nutrient-rich fodder, and are milked in sanitized facilities—transforming a nomadic tradition into a regulated enterprise.

Booming Demand for Camel Milk
Somalia maintains the world’s largest camel population, with over 7 million camels. Yet only a fraction of this milk has previously reached urban consumers. Now, local entrepreneurs are recognizing the untapped potential of camel milk as a valuable commodity.

Doubling Milk Output with Science
Under the guidance of veterinarian and farm manager Dr. Abdirisak Mire Hashi, each camel now produces around 10 litres of milk per day double the historical average. This is attributed to modern veterinary care, scientifically blended feed, and improved husbandry methods.

Healthier Milk, Healthier Community

Nutrition and food quality are central to the farm’s mission. Kenyan‑born food engineer Nelson Njoki Githu explains that camel milk has lower lactose and higher levels of vitamin C, iron, and zinc making it particularly beneficial for people with lactose intolerance and those in need of nutrient-rich options.

Introducing Somalia’s First Camel Yogurt Factory
Beder has launched the country’s first camel milk yogurt factory. Staff in white coats cultivate and package fresh yogurt under the Beder brand, now stocked in leading supermarkets across Mogadishu. The product offers a clean, nutritious alternative in Somalia’s growing dairy sector.

Public Health Gains and Market Appeal
Nutritionist Dr. Yahye Sholle highlights camel yogurt’s importance in combatting malnutrition, especially in vulnerable communities. Its appeal includes superior nutrition and digestibility, helping it stand out amid competing cow-milk products.

Plans to Scale and Empower Pastoralists
Farm owner Hashi plans to expand Beder’s collection network beyond Mogadishu and train rural pastoralists in modern milking and hygiene techniques. The goal is to increase safely processed milk while creating economic opportunities for nomadic communities.

Government Encourages Camel Agriculture
Somalia’s government is now backing the sector with formal policy, including a new Dairy Act and a comprehensive livestock development strategy. These measures aim to foster industry growth and ensure market regulation.

Tradition Meets Transformation
Amid golden afternoon light, a line of camels stands quietly a living reminder that Africa’s oldest pastoral traditions can evolve into modern enterprise. From desert caravans to neatly packaged yogurt, the camel’s journey in Somalia continues slow, steady, and unstoppable.

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