The effect of the 1973/74 drought in Somalia on subsequent exports and registered slaughterings of camels, sheep, goats, and cattle

Abstract

Data from official exports and slaughterings in Somalia between 1970 and 1981 (inclusive) shows variation in offtake trends of plus or minus 40-45%. Different species have different offtake trends. Offtake for sheep and goats is lowest two or three years after a drought, for cattle three to five years after a drought and for camels four to five years after a drought. For total liveweight offtake the differing individual trends are largely cancelled out and the mixed flock/herd offtake variation is only plus 30% to minus 20% of the average. A drought results in lowered overall offtake in the drought year, increased offtake in the following year and slightly reduced overall offtake in the following four years. Sheep and goat offtake declines and recovers faster than the offtake of camels and cattle, regaining a "normal" level 4 years after the drought. (Author's summary)