The Camel’s Comeback: How Somalia is Milking a Tradition into a Modern Industry

The Camel’s Comeback: How Somalia is Milking a Tradition into a Modern Industry

In the arid heartlands of Somalia, camels have always been more than just animals — they are cultural icons, lifelines, and living legends. But today, on the outskirts of Mogadishu, they are also at the heart of an agricultural transformation that is reshaping the future of Somali farming.

At Beder Camel Farm, one of the country’s first commercial camel dairies, tradition meets innovation. Dozens of camels roam through sandy paddocks while trained workers hygienically milk them, collecting the yield in sterile containers. Each camel now produces up to 10 liters of milk a day — double the traditional output — thanks to better feed, veterinary care, and modern milking techniques.

Led by Dr. Abdirisak Mire Hashi, a passionate veterinarian, and Jama Omar, the farm’s visionary CEO, Beder is not just preserving Somali heritage but redefining its role in the economy. Their latest innovation? Camel milk yogurt — a first for Somalia. Rich in calcium, magnesium, and vitamins, and suitable for people with lactose intolerance, this product is helping combat malnutrition and boost public health.

Beder’s yogurt is now found on supermarket shelves across Mogadishu, and with government support and new investment plans underway, Somalia may soon become a leader in camel dairy innovation.

As Somalia embraces modern agriculture, the camel — steady, strong, and symbolic — continues its journey, from nomadic caravans to urban fridges, carrying with it the hopes of a revitalized rural economy.