Climate crisis drives Somali camel farmers to adopt 'zero-grazing' | REUTERS

Key Concepts

• Climate Change Impacts in Somalia: Extreme weather cycles (droughts and floods), pasture scarcity, water shortages.
• Zero Grazing Method: A new farming practice where camels are kept in pens.
• Economic Consequences: Increased camel meat prices, impact on livelihoods.
• Adaptation and Resilience: Farmers' determination to overcome challenges.

Climate Change and its Impact on Somali Camel Herding

Somalia, despite contributing minimally to global greenhouse gas emissions, is disproportionately affected by climate change. The country experiences recurrent cycles of extreme weather, characterized by prolonged droughts followed by destructive floods. This climatic instability has severely impacted traditional camel herding practices, which have been sustained for centuries on the country's vast open ranges.

Shift to Zero Grazing: A Matter of Survival

The severe shortage of pasture due to climate change has forced camel farmers to abandon traditional free-range grazing. Farmers are now compelled to feed their camels in pens, a radical shift that for many represents a matter of survival. Abd Rahman Abdullah, a camel owner on the outskirts of Mogadishu, directly experiences the consequences. During drought seasons, the scarcity of water and lack of pasture significantly compromises the camels' well-being and usefulness due to severe shortages.

Bedair Dairy and Meat Operation: A Case Study in Adaptation

The challenges posed by climate change have led some farmers to adopt innovative methods, such as the zero grazing approach. The Bedair dairy and meat operation is a prime example of this adaptation. Here, camels are housed in purpose-built pens. The milk produced is then supplied to restaurants and markets in Mogadishu.

Customer Feedback: Osman Moali Muhammad, a customer at the Bedair Hotel and Restaurant, commends the quality of the camel milk. He attributes this quality to the camels receiving proper veterinary care and testing.

Economic Ramifications of Zero Grazing

The transition to zero grazing has also introduced new economic realities. The cost of camel products has increased significantly. Jamila Ali, a customer at a butchery in the capital, notes that 1 kg of camel meat, approximately 2.2 pounds, now costs $6. This price is double or even triple what it was previously. She attributes this price hike directly to the droughts affecting the country.

Resilience and Future Outlook

Despite the profound changes reshaping landscapes and livelihoods across the Horn of Africa, farmers like Hassan Abd Rahman, manager at Bedair Dairy and Meat, remain determined to overcome these hurdles. He states, "There is a challenge for everything that changes, but we're experienced and so we plan in advance for any possible challenge that can come and we solve it."

Conclusion

While Somali camels may no longer roam freely across the plains, the adaptation to methods like zero grazing ensures their survival. This resilience is crucial for the communities that depend on these animals, demonstrating a determined effort to navigate the severe impacts of climate change.