Sustainable Livelihood: Potential Role and Quality Assurance of Camel Export Trade in Somalia
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Date
2011Author
Castiello, M.
Innocente, S.
Wamalwa, K.
Munyua, S.J.M.
Matete, G.
Njue, S.
Type
ArticleLanguage
enMetadata
Show full item recordAbstract
Increasing market integration is an unavoidable process for most pastoral societies. The livestock
sector which accounts for about 80% of Somalia’s GDP plays a significant role in food security and
socio-economic development of pastoral societies relying on enhanced market integration of local
livelihoods and globalization of the economy. An estimated 70,000 camels are exported annually
contributing substantially to the 80% of livestock exports in normal years. These exports have, in the
past, been hit by recurrent trade bans by Somalia’s major livestock importing countries in the Middle
East on suspicion of the presence of transboundary animal diseases. Primary and secondary data
collection was carried out through field visitation and interviews of the relevant stakeholders using pretested
questionnaire. Support measures put in place by donors and international agencies, including
FAO Somalia, which included capacity building, support to existing veterinary institutions; disease
surveillance, livestock treatments, vaccinations, fodder and pasture establishment and conservation
and establishment of water catchments have gone a long way to ensure sustainable camel export trade.
According to Bosasso port veterinary officer, there has been a steady increase in camel exports since
livestock trade ban was lifted by KSA in October, 2009. This is essential if regions of Somalia are to
achieve self reliance at national level and improve household food and economic security, to accelerate
reduction in poverty levels and nutritional security.
Citation
International Research Journal of Microbiology (IRJM) Vol. 2(10)Publisher
Department of clinical studies
Subject
Capacity buildingLivestock
Livelihoods
Sustainability
Trade
Household food and economic security