A growing number of pastoralists in central Somalia are transforming their livelihoods by moving their camels to urban areas, where camel milk sales are proving to be a profitable and sustainable alternative to traditional rural grazing.
After enduring years of harsh drought in the Galgadud region, Dahir Abdullahi Ali, 40, relocated his herd of 30 camels from the rural Do’oley area to the outskirts of Adado town. Today, he earns at least $20 daily from milk sales, enough to feed his family of nine, pay off debts, and enroll his children in school for the first time.
“This is the most income I’ve ever earned from livestock,” said Dahir, reflecting on the turnaround from surviving on a single daily meal to now enjoying economic stability. “Raising camels in town is easier for the animals and better for us.”
Like many others, Dahir initially struggled when the animals arrived underfed and dry. But with credit-based fodder, the camels gradually recovered, began producing milk, and changed his fortunes.
He is not alone. Fellow herder Kafi Abdullahi Adan brought 50 camels into Adado and now sells up to 27 liters of milk daily. After years of financial struggle and drought-related livestock losses, camel milk has become his family’s primary source of income.
“I used to work odd jobs for $10 a day when there was work,” Kafi said. “Now, I pay for feed in cash and I’m repaying a $1,500 debt. The demand for camel milk is strong, and this has given us new hope.”
The shift from rural to peri-urban camel rearing is gaining traction as climate change and recurrent droughts render traditional grazing unsustainable. Instead of following pasture across vast lands, herders are adapting to a more stable, market-oriented model that brings livestock closer to consumers.
“This is a climate-smart solution,” said Abdinur Hassan Osman, an economist at Galmudug University. “It’s boosting household incomes and supporting local markets. Women involved in milk trade now earn daily profits, which wasn’t possible before.”
The model also benefits town residents with easier access to fresh camel milk, known for its nutritional and medicinal value.
As Somalia continues to grapple with climate-related shocks, urban livestock farming may offer a new path for resilient and inclusive economic growth. For herders like Dahir and Kafi, it’s not just a coping strategy — it’s a new way of life.