Formalising Somalia’s Feed and Fodder Sector: Unlocking an USD 8 Billion Opportunity through Islamic Finance and Commercialisation; Policy Brief

Abstract

Somalia possesses immense livestock wealth, boasting over 56 million animals and hosting the world’s largest camel population. This resource base is driving a lucrative shift toward high-value camel dairy and live animal exports to the Gulf states, presenting a massive USD 8 billion sectoral investment opportunity. However, despite this vast economic potential, the foundational input—feed and fodder—remains highly informal and critically vulnerable to climate extremes. To sustain the export of live animals and ensure domestic food and nutrition security, the Federal Government of Somalia (FGS) and the Ministry of Livestock, Forestry and Range (MoLFR) must actively support the transition from informal, rain-fed pastoralism to a modernised, commercial feed industry.