As Eid al-Adha approaches, the livestock market in Somalia is witnessing significant price increases, due to high demand and export activities. According to a report by Anatolia Agency, Somalia, which ranks first in the world in livestock numbers, is witnessing the sale of goats, sheep and camels at high prices, which affects local buyers.
Somalia’s livestock wealth
Somalia has about 56 million heads of livestock, including 13.6 million sheep, 30.9 million goats, 5.3 million cows, and 7.1 million camels, according to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO).
Abdullah Baris, a livestock broker in Afgooye, noted that markets in major cities are currently “crowded and full of various livestock” with animals arriving from nearby villages.
Press explained that citizens have “a good opportunity to purchase sacrificial animals due to the large number of livestock displayed in the city.”
High prices and difficulties in purchasing
The rise in livestock prices was noticeable, as Halima Yahya, a seller at the Radar livestock market in Mogadishu, reported that the prices of goats and sheep ranged between $130 and $200 per head, while the prices of cows and calves ranged from $400 to $700. Camels are particularly expensive, with prices ranging from $1,076 to $1,115.
These high costs strain the budgets of many families.
Shamsa Ali Hassan, a mother of eight children, expressed her concern about missing the opportunity to buy sacrificial animals this year due to delayed salaries and high prices. She said regretfully: “My husband used to slaughter 3 sheep every year, but this year he is facing financial difficulties.”
Likewise, Muhammad Aris from Batiri expressed his concerns, saying, “I used to buy sheep every year, but this time I am worried about what I want from the sacrifices because of the high prices.”
Price drivers
Livestock trader Haroun Muhammad Bouhou attributed the high prices to exports, especially to Saudi Arabia and other Gulf countries. He said, “Exporting most livestock abroad leads to an increase in the cost of sacrifices.”
Mahmoud Aray, another trader, echoed this sentiment, adding that the rush by charitable organizations to buy livestock to distribute aid is exacerbating rising prices.
For many rural residents, Eid al-Adha represents a lucrative opportunity to sell their livestock at high prices in city markets. The merchant, Mahmoud Ghili, shared his journey from Il Waq to Mogadishu, where he covered a distance of 640 kilometers on foot with his camels. He explained that “the rise in livestock prices is linked to the actions of villagers and rural people who are anticipating the Eid al-Adha season to achieve large profits.”
Gilley stressed the economic dependence of livestock owners on selling their animals in local markets or exporting them abroad in exchange for hard currency
