For generations, camels have been central to Somalia's pastoralist culture, providing sustenance, transport, and a deep-rooted presence in local folklore. Yet, on the dusty fringes of the capital, these revered animals are now spearheading an agricultural revolution poised to reshape Somali farming.
A recent visit to Beder Camel Farm, one of a burgeoning number of camel dairies emerging near Mogadishu, offered a glimpse into this transformation. Here, dozens of camels ambled across sandy paddocks, some contentedly grazing on fresh fodder under the vigilant gaze of herders. Inside a nearby shed, workers meticulously milked the animals, collecting the frothy yield in sanitised containers. The burgeoning demand for camel milk is being fuelled by a new wave of local entrepreneurs, who recognise the untapped commercial potential within this traditional resource.
