WAR SHEEKH (KAAB TV) – In response to severe droughts devastating livestock, a local group in Somalia’s Middle Shabelle region has begun cultivating durable animal feed, including cereal crops, on regional farmland.
Somalia continues to face challenges in sustaining its animals due to prolonged dry seasons and insufficient rainfall. As a result, many animals perish, and communities can no longer rely on rainfall for sustenance.
According to a project participant, the farmers are focusing on growing long-lasting, resilient grass that can endure even during droughts.
“This is a new project. We obtained these crops from Kenya,” Prof. Hadaafow told Kaab TV.
He says the feed, if well maintained and stored, can last for about 10 years.
Most of Somalia’s territory consists of permanent pasture, and the country receives an average annual rainfall of just 100–200 mm.
Food insecurity becomes a chronic problem when pastoralists become destitute as thousands of animals die due to drought.
According to the UN Food and Agricultural Organisation (FAO), based on the productivity assumptions of various livestock species, (agro)pastoralists in Somalia generate an annual revenue of around USD 3 billion, with two-thirds from milk and one-third from meat, mainly through live animal sales.
Prof. Hadaafow, who also studies animal care, has advised pastoralists to adopt new resilience methods.
“Animals die each year due to drought, but that can be prevented if we adapt new methods and techniques such as growing quality animal feed that can last longer,” he said.