{"id":18651,"date":"2026-02-15T21:29:35","date_gmt":"2026-02-15T21:29:35","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/sooha.org\/en\/?p=18651"},"modified":"2026-02-21T12:41:00","modified_gmt":"2026-02-21T12:41:00","slug":"somalia-innovative-pathways-for-sustainability-in-the-livestock-sector","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/sooha.org\/en\/2026\/02\/15\/somalia-innovative-pathways-for-sustainability-in-the-livestock-sector\/","title":{"rendered":"Somalia: innovative pathways for sustainability in the livestock sector"},"content":{"rendered":"

\u200bMOGADISHU —<\/strong> Within the framework of efforts to enhance food security and address climate challenges, Balad city in Middle Shabelle, southern Somalia, is witnessing a steady expansion in alfalfa cultivation as a strategic solution to compensate for shrinking natural pastures and protect livestock from recurring drought waves.<\/p>\n

A report by Al-Araby Al-Jadeed stated that this pioneering agricultural project, spanning 40 hectares, represents a qualitative shift toward using modern technologies to ensure production sustainability and fill the massive gap in the local market’s need for high-nutritional-value fodder.<\/p>\n

Al-Araby Al-Jadeed quoted livestock production experts noting that a single farm now produces tons of diverse fodder every three months, directly contributing to improved meat and dairy productivity, which positively impacts the income of rural families dependent on livestock.<\/p>\n

Project managers stated to Al-Araby Al-Jadeed that their ambition transcends self-sufficiency toward exportation, leveraging Somalia’s accession to the East African Community (EAC) and the broad trade horizons it provides for Somali agricultural and animal products.<\/p>\n

Agricultural engineers explained to Al-Araby Al-Jadeed that adopting modern irrigation techniques has mitigated the impact of temperature fluctuations and rain scarcity, encouraging camel and sheep herders to purchase alfalfa to ensure continuous milk production and prevent herd losses.<\/p>\n

On the other hand, Al-Araby Al-Jadeed highlighted the harsh reality facing the livestock sector nationwide; climate change has affected approximately 15 million head of livestock, with 2 million deaths in the past two years, threatening the backbone of the Somali economy.<\/p>\n

Reports published by Al-Araby Al-Jadeed indicated that Somalia, which possesses the largest camel population in the Arab world at 7 million head, faces significant economic pressure due to declining livestock exports, which account for 80% of foreign currency earnings and 40% of the GDP.<\/p>\n

Veterinary specialists confirmed to Al-Araby Al-Jadeed that fattening pens have become the last resort to save livestock from perishing, stressing the need to expand these projects to reduce dependence on imported fodder and lower production costs for herders.<\/p>\n

The alfalfa cultivation experience in Somalia serves as a leading model for transitioning from traditional grazing to sustainable fodder farming. This shift not only protects livestock from collapse but also places Somalia on the map of economic stability by enhancing resilience against environmental crises and securing the livelihoods of millions who represent the core of national production.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

\u200bMOGADISHU — Within the framework of efforts to enhance food security and address climate challenges, Balad city in Middle Shabelle, southern Somalia, is witnessing a steady expansion in alfalfa cultivation as a strategic solution to compensate for shrinking natural pastures and protect livestock from recurring drought waves. A report by Al-Araby Al-Jadeed stated that this …<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":18652,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[6,1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-18651","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","","category-food-security-cluster","category-news"],"aioseo_notices":[],"aioseo_head":"\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t