Somalia is home to over seven million camels, more than any other country in the world, but only a fraction of their milk reaches urban grocery shelves, according to industry estimates. A camel can produce a wide range of milk quantities, but generally, a well-fed camel can produce between 8 to 20 liters of milk per day. Under intensive management, some camels can even produce up to 40 liters daily. However, milk production varies greatly depending on factors like breed, feeding, and management practices.
Figures from the International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI) show that Somalia is home to approximately 7.1 million camels, more than any other country in the world. Alongside these, the nation also has 5.3 million cattle, 30.9 million goats, and 13.6 million sheep. Livestock contributes around 80% of Somalia’s agricultural GDP and 45% of its national GDP, making it the single most important pillar of the economy.
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Globally, the camel milk industry is expanding steadily. Market research in 2024 valued the camel dairy market at around USD 7.74 billion, with projections of USD 10.12 billion by 2033 at a compound annual growth rate of 2.78%. When value-added products like yoghurt, cheese, and cosmetics are included, the broader camel milk products market is forecast to reach USD 15.3 billion by 2025, growing at 11.7% annually through 2035. Demand is being driven by rising interest in lactose-free alternatives, nutrient-rich dairy products, and sustainable livestock systems in Europe, North America, and the Gulf.
Linking Somalia to the Global Framework
Camel milk’s growing importance in Somalia reflects broader international trends in food security and climate adaptation. Camels are highly efficient in hot and dry environments, producing milk in areas where cattle and other livestock would struggle. This makes camel milk production an important part of climate-resilient agriculture strategies, which are increasingly prioritised by the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and other global agencies working in arid and semi-arid zones.
Somalia’s geographic position also gives it an advantage in regional trade. Neighbouring countries like Ethiopia, Sudan, and Kenya are all developing their own camel milk sectors, but Somalia’s larger herd and strong cultural integration of camel milk consumption offer a competitive edge, provided that infrastructure and quality standards are improved.
Building the Value Chain
A 2021 value chain analysis in Woqooyi Galbeed region found that Somalia’s camel milk supply system is still dominated by informal markets. Milk collection is inconsistent, storage is limited, and cold chain facilities are almost non-existent in most areas. This restricts the product’s reach beyond local communities and leads to significant post-harvest losses.
However, change is underway. Private investors are beginning to introduce hygienic milking stations, small-scale refrigeration units, and basic packaging systems. These steps are extending shelf life and opening access to urban markets. With proper feeding and veterinary care, a healthy camel can produce between 8 and 20 litres of milk per day, and under intensive management, some can produce up to 40 litres daily.
Beder Camel Farm
One notable example is Beder Camel Farm near Mogadishu. By improving feeding, ensuring veterinary care, and enforcing hygienic milking practices, the farm has doubled its milk yields compared to traditional systems. It has also established Somalia’s first camel milk yoghurt factory, producing for both local markets and the Somali diaspora. The farm employs over 200 people and is working with rural herders through training programmes to improve quality and consistency.
Somaliland’s Adaptation Strategy
In Somaliland, the camel milk sector grew in response to the 2001 ban on livestock exports to the Gulf, which forced producers to find alternative markets. Entrepreneurs began developing domestic camel milk businesses to offset the loss in export revenue. Today, these businesses are supplying local markets and exploring opportunities in neighbouring countries.
Challenges Holding Back the Sector
Despite progress, several issues continue to limit Somalia’s ability to fully benefit from camel milk production. There is no national regulatory framework for dairy, meaning there are no consistent quality or safety standards. This hinders access to high-value export markets. Infrastructure remains weak, with many rural areas lacking reliable transport, electricity, and cooling facilities. Although, the country is in the process of developing a national regulatory framework for its dairy sector, with efforts focused on establishing standards, improving quality control, and supporting sustainable production. Key areas of focus include milk hygiene, safety, and regulation, with initiatives aimed at enhancing the capacity of both public and private stakeholders.
Security concerns in some regions discourage investment and disrupt supply chains, while climate shocks such as droughts affect feed availability and camel health. Financing is also a challenge, many herders and small processors lack access to credit for upgrading their operations.
Unlocking the Potential
To realise the full economic potential of camel milk, Somalia needs coordinated action between government, private sector, and development partners. Establishing and enforcing a Dairy Act would help standardise production and improve consumer trust. Investments in milk collection centres, cold storage, and transport would reduce waste and allow for scaling beyond local sales.
Linking herders to processors through cooperatives or formal contracts could ensure steady supply and fair prices. Somalia’s diaspora, which has strong cultural ties to camel milk, represents a natural entry point for premium exports. With targeted marketing, Somalia could position its camel milk as an ethical, climate-smart product for both domestic and international markets.
Somalia’s camel milk industry stands at a turning point. With the world looking for sustainable, nutrient-rich dairy options, the country has a resource that is both abundant and resilient to climate pressures. The challenge lies in moving from fragmented, small-scale production to an organised, high-quality, and market-driven industry. If Somalia can achieve this, camel milk could become not only a source of local nutrition but also a globally recognised export, contributing meaningfully to the nation’s economic recovery.
