Somali brothers invest US$370K in Holstein Friesians to revive dairy industry

SOMALI – In an effort to revive the Somalia’s dairy industry, four Somali brothers have made an investment, importing dozens of Holstein Friesian cows—the world’s leading milk-producing breed.

The brothers, seeking to restore an industry ravaged by years of war, have invested US$370,000 into establishing Som Dairy, a pioneering dairy farm situated just outside Mogadishu.

Despite ongoing conflicts in parts of the country, including the threat from al Shabaab, Mogadishu, the capital, has experienced a period of relative stability that is attracting investments from both locals and Somali diaspora.

Somalia’s traditional cattle breeds, primarily managed by pastoralists, yield low quantities of milk, making the high-producing Holstein Friesians a promising solution.

Dahir, one of the brothers, emphasized their mission to restore the dairy industry, which had been decimated during the years of conflict.

“We invested because we want to revive the dairy industry that was destroyed during the war and to provide high-production animals for Somalis,” he explained from their farm.

Currently, Som Dairy produces 600 liters of fresh milk daily from 35 of their 54 dairy cows, with the remaining cows yet to enter production due to calving cycles.

This volume is an improvement compared to the yields of local breeds, offering an alternative to imported milk and camel milk, which has traditionally been a staple in the region.

However, the journey has not been without challenges. Abdullahi Abdirahim, a worker at Som Dairy, noted that the imported Holstein Friesians initially struggled to adapt to Somalia’s harsh climate, with some animals dying due to the unfamiliar conditions.

“It took about one and a half years for the cows to adjust to the climate,” Abdirahim stated, reflecting on the challenges of acclimatizing a foreign breed to local conditions.

“This adaptation period required patience and a considerable investment in resources to ensure the animals’ survival and productivity.”

Since importing their first cows in 2016, Som Dairy has become a profitable venture, although specific financial details remain undisclosed.

 The increasing demand for their fresh milk is evidenced by the growth in sales at local markets. Nuradin Haji Omar, a local shopkeeper, began selling Som Dairy milk last year and has seen demand increase steadily.

“I started buying 15 liters last year because people didn’t know about the milk. Now I sell about 20 liters, and customers praise its quality,” Omar said.

He purchases the milk at US$1.20 per liter and resells it at US$1.50, underscoring the product’s profitability and growing popularity.

Somalia’s dairy industry, though still nascent, is showing signs of growth, with Som Dairy emerging as one of only two dairies serving the country’s 14 million inhabitants.

The venture’s milk, competitively priced at US$1.20 per liter, is more affordable than camel milk, which sells for US$2 per liter. This pricing advantage, combined with the dairy’s reliable supply, has helped Som Dairy secure a foothold in the local market.

Beyond milk production, the introduction of Holstein Friesians is sparking broader interest from Somali farmers, who are now crossbreeding their traditional cattle with Som Dairy’s bulls to enhance milk yields.

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