Characterization of Camel Production Under Pastoral Management in Benadir Region, Somalia

Abstract

Livestock production has for many decades been the backbone of the Somali economy. It is the most important food and income source for both the large rural population and is the country's largest export product. Camels play several roles in pastoralists' livelihoods, including asset building, protection against unforeseen incidents, social and moral values, animal strength during the draught, supply of food and income. The aim of this study was documenting camel keepers' husbandry practices and constraints to production and recommend effective measures for improving their productivity. In the Benadir region, two districts namely of Dharkenley and Hodan were selected for data collection. A sample of 138 camel herders were randomly selected. Data was collected using semi-structured questionnaires. The data collected included milk yield, the amount of milk sold, amount of household consumed. The quantity of camel meat consumed the camel enterprise productivity status and camel diseases. The results showed that the mean amount of milk produced in both districts was 65.9±33.08litres per day, average household milk consumption was 13.5±6.72litres per day while the average amount of milk sold was 42.7±21.46 liters per day. 31.2% of the households consumed camel meat once in a week whereas 68.8% of the households consumed camel meat once a month. Notably, the high price of the camel meat was the major influence on consumption compared with meat from goat and beef. In the study area, 27.5% of the pastoralists confirmed that camel products trade existed and had improved while 18.1% of the respondents noted a decline with 54.3% of the respondents not noticing any change in the enterprises. The majority (92%) of the pastoralists reported that camel diseases were the major obstacle to camel production. In conclusion, the Benadir camel production is low due to the poor camel husbandry practices and diseases. To enhance the performance of dairy camels owned by pastoralists, interventions are required in the areas of husbandry practices and disease control and prevention.