Somalia's camel milk revolution is improving nutrition and creating jobs

MOGADISHU, Somalia (AP) — Camels have long been the backbone of Somalia 's pastoralist culture, feeding families, transporting goods and standing tall in local folklore. But on the dusty outskirts of the capital, the camel now finds itself at the center of an agricultural revolution that could redefine Somali farming.

On a breezy Wednesday morning in mid-June, The Associated Press visited Beder Camel Farm — one of a new generation of camel dairies springing up around Mogadishu.

Dozens of camels sauntered around sandy paddocks while others nibbled on fresh fodder under the watchful eyes of herders. In a nearby shed, workers carefully milked the animals and collected the frothy yield in sanitized containers.

Demand for camel milk is growing, buoyed by a wave of local entrepreneurs who see untapped potential in a traditional resource.

Somalia is home to over 7 million camels — more than any other country on Earth — but only a fraction of that milk has ever reached urban grocery shelves, according to industry estimates.

At the heart of the shift toward a modern approach to camel milk production is Dr. Abdirisak Mire Hashi, a veterinarian and the farm’s manager. For Hashi, it's not only about profit — it's about preserving heritage while embracing progress.

“Somalis take pride in their heritage of raising camels. However, the way camels are raised has changed significantly over time," Hashi told The Associated Press as he inspected a milking herd.

Each camel at Beder now produces up to 10 liters (2.6 gallons) of milk daily — double what traditional herders typically yield. The increase is attributed to new investments in veterinary care, better feed, and modern milking practices. The camels are routinely checked by vets, given nutritional supplements, and grazed on scientifically blended fodder, a far cry from the roaming nomadic herds of decades gone by.

“We were among the first to establish this kind of farm back in 2006, when very few people even knew about commercial camel milk production,” said Jama Omar, CEO of Beder Camel Farm. “Other farms have entered the market since then, but we currently hold around 40% of the market share.”

“We employ nearly 200 full-time staff,” he added. “In addition, we bring in seasonal workers during key periods such as planting and harvest.”

The farm’s biggest leap may be its yogurt factory — the first in Somalia dedicated to processing camel milk into yogurt.

Inside the factory, workers in white coats oversee stainless steel vats as fresh milk is cultured and packed. The final product is sold under the Beder brand which now retails in urban supermarkets across Mogadishu.

Nelson Njoki Githu, a Kenyan-born food engineer overseeing the production line, says camel milk yogurt isn’t just a novelty — it fills an important nutritional gap for local consumers.

“The number one benefit compared to cow milk is that camel milk has lower levels of lactose,” Githu explained. “People with lactose intolerance can consume this milk without any issue. Again, the vitamin levels are higher, especially vitamin C, iron and zinc, compared to cow milk.”

For nutritionist Dr. Yahye Sholle, camel milk yogurt is a public health boost in a country where malnutrition remains a challenge.

“It is rich in magnesium and calcium, which support bone health. Additionally, it contains vitamins B12, C, and D. It also includes friendly bacteria known as probiotics, which are beneficial for gut health,” he said.

Such benefits have helped Beder’s yogurt stand out in Mogadishu’s increasingly competitive dairy market.

Hashi said the next step is scaling up the business. He hopes to expand Beder’s network of collection points beyond Mogadishu and plans to train pastoralists in remote areas on modern milking and hygiene practices so that more milk can be safely processed and sold.

“If we can modernize how we raise camels and handle the milk, we can create jobs, improve nutrition, and build pride in our own local products,” Hashi said.

The Somali government is encouraging more investment in the industry.

“The benefits of camel milk are countless,” said Dr. Kasim Abdi Moalim, Director of Animal Health at Somalia’s Ministry of Livestock. “In countries like the UAE, camel milk is also used for cosmetics. Somalia must catch up and develop the full value chain.”

He said that government support is growing, with the establishment of a Dairy Act and a strategy for livestock sector development. “A master investment plan is also in progress,” he added.

Back at the paddock, a line of camels stretches into the golden afternoon light, their steady, patient footsteps a reminder that progress in Somalia often moves at the pace of tradition — slow but unstoppable.

From ancient caravans that crossed deserts to supermarket shelves stocked with yogurt, the Somali camel’s journey continues, one cup at a time.

For more on Africa and development: https://apnews.com/hub/africa-pulse

The Associated Press receives financial support for global health and development coverage in Africa from the Gates Foundation. The AP is solely responsible for all content. Find AP’s standards for working with philanthropies, a list of supporters and funded coverage areas at AP.org.

Farmers milk a camel at Beder Camel Farm on the outskirts of the capital Mogadishu, Somalia, Wednesday, June 18, 2025. (AP Photo/Farah Abdi Warsameh)

A Somali man enjoys the affection shown by a camel at Beder Camel Farm on the outskirts of the capital Mogadishu, Somalia, Wednesday, June 18, 2025. (AP Photo/Farah Abdi Warsameh)

A Somali man grazes camels in Beder Camel Farm on the outskirts of the capital Mogadishu, Somalia, Wednesday, June 18, 2025. (AP Photo/Farah Abdi Warsameh)

A Somali man grazes camels in Beder Camel Farm on the outskirts of the capital Mogadishu, Somalia, Wednesday, June 18, 2025. (AP Photo/Farah Abdi Warsameh)

Abdirisak Mire Hashi, a veterinarian and the farm's manager, drinks from a cup filled with camel milk in Beder Camel Farm on the outskirts of the capital Mogadishu, Somalia, Wednesday, June 18, 2025. (AP Photo/Farah Abdi Warsameh)

BUFFALO, N.Y. (AP) — Tage Thompson wasn’t going to let Jack Eichel and the Vegas Golden Knights spoil his gold-medal tribute in Buffalo.

Riding the wave of energy generated by a sold-out building following a pregame celebration honoring the U.S. hockey Olympian, Thompson scored what proved to be the decisive goal in the Sabres' 3-2 win on Tuesday night.

“What an amazing reception from the crowd. It was a little emotional for me,” said Thompson, who was honored in the Sabres' first home game since the American men won their first hockey gold medal in 46 years following a 2-1 overtime win over Canada at the Milan Cortina Games.

“We were looking around before puck drop, just everyone fired up. Such a cool atmosphere, and I thought that helped us right out of the gate," he added. “To score and hear the crowd, that was probably the loudest I’ve heard it. Really cool."

The pregame chants of “USA!” grew even louder when Thompson put the Sabres up 3-0 at the 5:44 mark of the second period by taking Alex Tuch’s no-look pass and rifling in a shot from the right circle that beat Akira Schmid high on the far side.

Buffalo then hung on after the Golden Knights cut the lead to 3-2 on goals scored 1:37 apart by Pavel Dorofeyev and Ivan Barbashev.

“Obviously, not all of them are gonna be pretty, but they don’t ask how,” Thompson said.

Thompson’s goal was his team-leading 33rd and led to him extending his point streak to a career record-matching eight games in which he’s combined for five goals and nine points. And that doesn't include the three goals and assist he produced in Milan.

During the pregame ceremony, Thompson was joined at center by U.S. teammates Eichel and Golden Knights defenseman Noah Hanifin as well as Sabres massage therapist Brett Crompton, who held the same role for Team USA. The four posed for a photo with Crompton unfurling a U.S. flag.

The 28-year-old Thompson was joined by his wife, children and mother for a ceremonial opening faceoff with Eichel. Now in his fifth season in Vegas since forcing his trade out of Buffalo, Eichel drew a cheer upon taking the faceoff.

Once play began, Sabres fans quickly turned on Eichel, booing him each time he touched the puck as has been customary following six seasons in Buffalo.

“I don’t know what the plan is for tonight, but listen, I’m so proud of Tage, and he deserves all the recognition and all the support and love from the crowd,” Eichel said, earlier in the day.

Eichel and Hanifin will have to wait until Friday to be honored at home. That’s when Vegas returns from a five-game road trip to host Minnesota.

The Sabres also paid tribute to two members of the U.S. gold medal-winning women’s team, who have local connections. Forward Hayley Scamurra, who is from Buffalo, and defender Haley Winn, from nearby Rochester, New York, each addressed the crowd by video.

The Sabres had rally towels printed and placed on each seat before the game. They featured the initials “TNT,” representing Tage Nathaniel Thompson, and a nickname he’s picked up on team broadcasts.

Thompson was born in Phoenix, Arizona, and grew up in Connecticut.

The celebration for Thompson came as the Sabres are enjoying a remarkable turnaround to put themselves in position to snap an NHL-record 14-year playoff drought. Buffalo (35-19-6) entered the day in second place in the Atlantic Division standings and 24-5-2 in their past 31 outings.

Thompson is in his eighth season in Buffalo, where he gradually emerged as the team’s top scoring threat. Acquired in a trade that sent Ryan O’Reilly to St. Louis in July 2018, Thompson overcame injuries and needing to develop in the minors to blossom into a star. He's now topped 29 goals in five straight seasons.

Eichel and Thompson’s careers overlapped in Buffalo over three years.

“Eichs is one of the guys when I was first here that I looked up to,” Thompson said of Eichel, who forced his departure from Buffalo over a dispute over how to treat a neck injury.

“Obviously unbelievable player and someone I always tried to emulate parts of my game after him, just being a big strong power forward,” he added. “So it was cool going to the Olympics and kind of going full circle playing with him there.”

AP NHL: https://apnews.com/hub/nhl

Buffalo Sabres center Tage Thompson (72) celebrates his goal during the second period of an NHL hockey game against the Vegas Golden Knights Tuesday, March 3, 2026, in Buffalo, N.Y. (AP Photo/Jeffrey T. Barnes)

Buffalo Sabres center Tage Thompson (72) shakes hands with Vegas Golden Knights center Jack Eichel (9) and defenseman Noah Hanifin (15) prior to the first period of an NHL hockey game Tuesday, March 3, 2026, in Buffalo, N.Y. (AP Photo/Jeffrey T. Barnes)

Buffalo Sabres center Tage Thompson (72) and Vegas Golden Knights center Jack Eichel (9) meet at center ice prior to the first period of an NHL hockey game, Thursday, March 3, 2026, in Buffalo, N.Y. (AP Photo/Jeffrey T. Barnes)

Buffalo Sabres massage therapist Brett Crompton and Tage Thompson (72) poses with Vegas Golden Knights Jack Eichel (9) and Noah Hanifin (15) prior to the first period of an NHL hockey game, Thursday, March 3, 2026, in Buffalo, N.Y. (AP Photo/Jeffrey T. Barnes)