ABSTRACT
Pastoralism in the Somali region of Ethiopia has been changing for some time, and the growth of small towns is one manifestation of the changes. This chapter draws on field research in Gode beginning in May 2010, and visits to several towns to speak with camel-keepers and milk sellers in towns, other townspeople, bush pastoralists, as well as government officials. The research included a household survey and informal discussions with ‘town pastoralists’, including an elder who was the first camel-keeper to begin selling camel’s milk in Gode. Others who opposed the system argued that the traditional camel husbandry system and culture of the pastoral community should be protected. Camel dairying began with a few individuals who exploited an emerging market in growing small towns, as many newcomers to towns came from pastoralist backgrounds and preferred to drink camel milk. There may be opportunities to expand camel milk marketing by looking more at markets in neighbouring countries and the Middle East.
