(4 minutes read)
· Hajj is always a good time for Somalia’s cattle breeders
· Restrictions imposed on the number of pilgrims in the midst of pandemic have restricted cattle imports into the Gulf country significantly.
· According to the World Bank figures, Saudi demand accounts for nearly two-thirds of Somalia’s annual livestock exports
· This works to more than five million sheep, goats, camels and livestock
The Hajj is always a good time for Somalia’s cattle breeders. During the pilgrimage time, millions of livestock are imported by Saudi Arabia to feed the visiting pilgrims. However, the restrictions imposed on the number of pilgrims in the midst of pandemic have restricted cattle imports into the Gulf country significantly. The arrangements for food are normally being made by the local NGOs. These activities have been stopped to ensure strict enforcement of social distancing. It is compulsory for all Muslims, who are physically and financially able to undertake at least once in their lives to undertake Hajj – that is pilgrimage to the Holy City of Makkah and its Great Mosque.
This year the Saudi authorities have limited the Hajj to those already in the country. The latest tally, according to reports, are fewer than 10,000 domestic pilgrims, as against the two million visitors, mostly foreigners. The truncated ceremonies also considerably cut short the demand for feeding a large number of people.
According to the World Bank figures, Saudi demand accounts for nearly two-thirds of Somalia’s annual livestock exports. This will convert into for more than five million sheep, goats, camels and livestock. Therefore, the cancellation of the Hajj has massive implications for the lives and livelihoods of the Somali people. Livestock accounts for about 60% of household income in Somalia who survive on livestock exports to Saudi Arabia. Three-quarters of Somalia’s export earnings come from livestock making the sale of animals abroad a crucial lifeline for the Somali economy.
