Somalia - Animal husbandry



The majority of Somalis raise livestock; in some areas, particularly in the north, this is the only means of subsistence. During the civil war, herds were looted and killed. The national cattle herd was estimated at 5.3 million head at the end of 2001. At that time, Somalia also had 13.1 million sheep, 12.7 million goats, and 6.2 million camels. Live animals constituted 41% of the nation's exports in 1997, compared to 73% in 1983, partly because of drought, a ban imposed by Saudi Arabia on African cattle that were suspected to be infected with rinderpest, and political turmoil. Total meat production in 2001 was 187,000 tons. The export of hides and skins is also important.

User Contributions:

Comment about this article, ask questions, or add new information about this topic: