The recent decision to cancel annual pilgrimage to Mecca for Hajj celebrations has serious ramifications to farmers in Somalia.
Livestock farmers indicate that they are set for huge losses because of that decision.
The socio-economic impact on Somali farmers would be made worse by the loss of revenue from selling livestock, which is usually quite high during this season.
Livestock is responsible for around 80 percent of what Somalia earns from its exports. It ensures that 60% of the population has adequate nutrition and reliable source of income.
However, with the cancellation of the annual pilgrimage due to COVID-19, farmers are expected to sell most of their livestock to make ends meet.
Recently, many farmers have rushed to the nearest local markets to get rid of their stock.
Many farmers and traders in both Somalia and Somaliland often rear livestock specifically for Hajj.
Each year, Saudi Arabia imports more than 3 million head of cattle during the Hajj season to meet the huge demand.
Somalia, Djibouti, and Sudan are often responsible for 1 million of the livestock that Saudi Arabia imports.