Livestock sector is the backbone of the economy of Somaliland contributing an estimated 60-65% of the national economy. The country has an estimated livestock population of 10 million Goats, 5 million Sheep, 5 million Camels and 2.5 million Cattle (Census Data 2003).

The economy is largely dependent on livestock export to major markets in Gulf countries such as kingdom of Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Yemen and Oman among others. The country exports an excess of one million goats and sheep annually compared to 3.5 million prior to 1998 when a livestock ban was imposed by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The livestock products not only contribute to the livelihood of the pastoralists, but also a substantial portion of the daily food intake of the population both in rural and in urban.