Ethiopian Pastoralists Benefit From Export Of ‎Livestock To Somaliland

ISSUE 219

By Somalilandtimes network

Jijiga, March 28, 2006 – The legal export of livestock to neighboring Somaliland is yielding encouraging results, while the activities have in turn been improving the livelihood of pastoralists in the Somali state.

According to Jijiga Customs Office Head Amare Gebre-Mariam, the legal export of livestock and the income earned during the last three years have shown marked increase.

Following the enforcement of rigorous control over smuggling business in the region, the number of legal businesspersons is increasing and the practice of legal business is also flourishing, he said.

More than 26 million birr was earned in foreign currency from the export of 24,178 livestock and 589,460 liters of camel and cow milk during the last eight months. The leading export item, 'chat', has enabled the country to earn 288 million birr, according to the Customs Office Head.

Deputy General Manager of Dorman Livestock Marketing and Fodder Development Cooperatives Union, Nur Jamah Shaib, and Chairperson of the Nejah Livestock Marketing Cooperatives Union, Sirat Ilmi Farah said the export has contributed much in improving the lives of the pastoral community.

The unions further stated that they are negotiating with local meat exporting organizations to supply them with livestock.

Source: WIC/The Ethiopian Herald