Somalia's camel milk revolution is improving nutrition and creating jobs
[August 04, 2025]
By OMAR FARUK
MOGADISHU, Somalia (AP) — Camels have long been the backbone of Somalia
's pastoralist culture, feeding families, transporting goods and
standing tall in local folklore. But on the dusty outskirts of the
capital, the camel now finds itself at the center of an agricultural
revolution that could redefine Somali farming.
On a breezy Wednesday morning in mid-June, The Associated Press visited
Beder Camel Farm — one of a new generation of camel dairies springing up
around Mogadishu.
Dozens of camels sauntered around sandy paddocks while others nibbled on
fresh fodder under the watchful eyes of herders. In a nearby shed,
workers carefully milked the animals and collected the frothy yield in
sanitized containers.
Demand for camel milk is growing, buoyed by a wave of local
entrepreneurs who see untapped potential in a traditional resource.
Modernizing camel milk production
Somalia is home to over 7 million camels — more than any other country
on Earth — but only a fraction of that milk has ever reached urban
grocery shelves, according to industry estimates.
At the heart of the shift toward a modern approach to camel milk
production is Dr. Abdirisak Mire Hashi, a veterinarian and the farm’s
manager. For Hashi, it's not only about profit — it's about preserving
heritage while embracing progress.
“Somalis take pride in their heritage of raising camels. However, the
way camels are raised has changed significantly over time," Hashi told
The Associated Press as he inspected a milking herd.
Each camel at Beder now produces up to 10 liters (2.6 gallons) of milk
daily — double what traditional herders typically yield. The increase is
attributed to new investments in veterinary care, better feed, and
modern milking practices. The camels are routinely checked by vets,
given nutritional supplements, and grazed on scientifically blended
fodder, a far cry from the roaming nomadic herds of decades gone by.
“We were among the first to establish this kind of farm back in 2006,
when very few people even knew about commercial camel milk production,”
said Jama Omar, CEO of Beder Camel Farm. “Other farms have entered the
market since then, but we currently hold around 40% of the market
share.”
“We employ nearly 200 full-time staff,” he added. “In addition, we bring
in seasonal workers during key periods such as planting and harvest.”
Pioneering camel milk yogurt
The farm’s biggest leap may be its yogurt factory — the first in Somalia
dedicated to processing camel milk into yogurt.
Inside the factory, workers in white coats oversee stainless steel vats
as fresh milk is cultured and packed. The final product is sold under
the Beder brand which now retails in urban supermarkets across
Mogadishu.
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A Somali man enjoys the affection shown by a camel at Beder Camel
Farm on the outskirts of the capital Mogadishu, Somalia, Wednesday,
June 18, 2025. (AP Photo/Farah Abdi Warsameh)
 Nelson Njoki Githu, a Kenyan-born
food engineer overseeing the production line, says camel milk yogurt
isn’t just a novelty — it fills an important nutritional gap for
local consumers.
“The number one benefit compared to cow milk is that camel milk has
lower levels of lactose,” Githu explained. “People with lactose
intolerance can consume this milk without any issue. Again, the
vitamin levels are higher, especially vitamin C, iron and zinc,
compared to cow milk.”
For nutritionist Dr. Yahye Sholle, camel milk yogurt is a public
health boost in a country where malnutrition remains a challenge.
“It is rich in magnesium and calcium, which support bone health.
Additionally, it contains vitamins B12, C, and D. It also includes
friendly bacteria known as probiotics, which are beneficial for gut
health,” he said.
Such benefits have helped Beder’s yogurt stand out in Mogadishu’s
increasingly competitive dairy market.
Hashi said the next step is scaling up the business. He hopes to
expand Beder’s network of collection points beyond Mogadishu and
plans to train pastoralists in remote areas on modern milking and
hygiene practices so that more milk can be safely processed and
sold.
“If we can modernize how we raise camels and handle the milk, we can
create jobs, improve nutrition, and build pride in our own local
products,” Hashi said.
Somali government encourages more investment
The Somali government is encouraging more investment in the
industry.
“The benefits of camel milk are countless,” said Dr. Kasim Abdi
Moalim, Director of Animal Health at Somalia’s Ministry of
Livestock. “In countries like the UAE, camel milk is also used for
cosmetics. Somalia must catch up and develop the full value chain.”
He said that government support is growing, with the establishment
of a Dairy Act and a strategy for livestock sector development. “A
master investment plan is also in progress,” he added.
Back at the paddock, a line of camels stretches into the golden
afternoon light, their steady, patient footsteps a reminder that
progress in Somalia often moves at the pace of tradition — slow but
unstoppable.
From ancient caravans that crossed deserts to supermarket shelves
stocked with yogurt, the Somali camel’s journey continues, one cup
at a time.
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