Since February 2025, more than 200 former camel and livestock herders have found stable income by working in modern camel farming in Somalia.
These workers spend their days herding camels in the open fields and their nights feeding and guarding them in enclosures.
In return, they receive monthly salaries ranging between $200 and $300.
This initiative, driven by Somali businessmen and diaspora contributions, has transformed the lives of hundreds of families in Puntland, particularly around Qardho city in northeastern Somalia.
It highlights the growing role of the livestock sector in tackling unemployment and reducing the impact of recurring droughts.
From Struggle to Stability
For many, camel farming in Somalia has been life-changing.
Mahmoud Ahmed Mahmoud, a 28-year-old worker in a camel ranch owned by Somali expatriates, lost 64 goats to drought before securing his new job.
Today, he earns $300 per month, allowing him to provide food for his family, pay off debts, and enroll his children in school.
He has even built a small tin-and-wood home, saving around $50 monthly for emergencies.
Similarly, Ali Osman Mohamed earns $200 per month caring for 26 camels.
His income lifted his family out of extreme poverty, replacing his elderly mother’s meager weekly earnings of $2–3 from domestic work.
Now, Ali can cover the education expenses of his four younger siblings.
Camel Farming in Somalia: Backbone of Livestock Economy
Camels are central to Somalia’s livestock industry, with an estimated 7.7 million camels nationwide, according to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO).
Known for their resilience to drought, camels provide milk, meat, and play a vital role in Somalia’s livestock exports to Gulf markets, making them a cornerstone of the national economy.
In Qardho alone, there are now 14 camel farms housing more than 3,200 camels, reflecting rising interest in camel farming in Somalia.
Read also: Why Did Puntland Reject Federal Humanitarian Access for Wounded Soldiers
Economic Impact and Growth Potential
Livestock remains the foundation of Somalia’s economy, contributing nearly 40% of the country’s GDP and over 50% of export revenues.
Exports of camels and other livestock account for around 80% of Somalia’s foreign currency earnings.
In 2023, the livestock sector generated nearly $1 billion in revenue, a remarkable 92% increase compared to 2022 ($558.4 million).
Experts Highlight New Opportunities
Economists believe that the projects of modern camel farming in Somalia combine traditional herding expertise with structured business investment and offer a sustainable model for job creation and poverty reduction.
According to Abdullah Noor Ahmed, an economic researcher at Green Hope University in Qardho, such initiatives help mitigate the effects of drought and climate change that have displaced thousands of families.
He adds:
“Organizing the camel sector into a reliable source of income keeps money circulating inside Somalia and provides real alternatives to irregular migration or low-income informal work.”
A Path Toward Resilience
The projects of camel farming in Somalia are more than just jobs—they represent resilience, adaptation, and hope.
By turning traditional skills into modern opportunities, these initiatives are not only securing livelihoods but also strengthening one of the nation’s most vital economic pillars.
