Livestock prices go down as drought ravages in Galmudug

Livestock prices across markets in towns in Galmudug State have dramatically declined largely due to the drought that hit many parts of the country, livestock traders said on Wednesday.

Livestock is the mainstay of the Somali economy, contributing 40-45  percent to the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

Hakiimo Ahmed, a trader said the drought caused many deaths in domestic animals and it hit the economy of the region.

“All the markets have been closed due to the lack of animals. People used to sell a goat for 1.5 million Somali shillings before, but the price has been going down since the drought began” said Ahmed.

She said that pastoral communities in the most severely affected areas had lost over half of their sheep and goats.

Ahmed said that many pastoralist families are desperate for money to survive during this time of drought, they have being trying to sell off some of their animals.

Livestock farming is the largest contributor to Somali livelihoods with over 65% of the population engaged in the industry: “Somali people are largely pastoralists and depend on livestock for their livelihood.