Somalia’s camel milk revolution improving nutrition

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 centre of an agricultural revolution that could redefine Somali farming.

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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. Ina nearby shed, workers carefully milked the animals and collected the frothy yield in sanitised containers.

Demand for camel milk is growing, buoyed by a wave of local entrepreneurs who see untapped potential in a traditional resource.

Somalia is home to over seven million (70 lakh) 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 is not only about profit ~ it is about preserving heritage while embracing progress.