Commercialization of meat trade: the potential role of private sector and capacity building in quality assurance in meat export trade from regions of Somalia

Abstract

Quality assurance practices in meat production deserve top priority at all stages since meat is a known vehicle for transmission of several food-borne diseases. Maintaining safety and quality assurance is a constant challenge to meat trade because it entails continuous adaptation to new scientific findings and technologies. Study data was collected through: a comprehensive review of FAO documents; individual interviews and focus group discussions with stakeholders, in-depth interviews with partnership organizations and government ministries, and direct observations during interventions and data collection. For nearly 20 years without a central government, Somalia’s meat industry has experienced great challenges in meeting the rising food safety standards of the traditional meat importing countries in the Middle East (ME). The study established that training and supply of basic livestock slaughter equipment enabled meat sector producers and stakeholders to comply with international food safety standards thereby improving exports but not without force majeure constraints. FAO Somalia and other development partners have built the capacity of public−private sectors in Somalia export meat industry to respond positively to changing standards in meat sector by promoting quality assurance activities aimed at sustaining market potential and enhancing meat commercialization. The study concluded that given the right environment, development of skills and knowledge of the skilled and non-skilled personnel will contribute to promotion of meat export potential from the export slaughterhouses