It’s Time to Cultivate Khat Locally in Somalia.

Ali Halane

Somalia faces a persistent trade deficit with Kenya and Ethiopia, partly due to the massive spending on importing khat. Every month, millions of dollars leave the country in cash to fund this trade, draining the Somali economy while enriching farmers and traders in the neighboring countries.

Regardless of the ongoing debate about khat, an important question arises: why isn’t it cultivated locally? With available technology and agricultural expertise, Somalia can turn this economic burden into a domestic source of income, helping to keep these millions within the national economy.

Khat consumption is deeply rooted in Somali society, with a significant portion of adult men using it regularly. Estimates suggest that Somalia imports khat worth hundreds of millions of dollars annually from Kenya and Ethiopia. This import creates a severe trade imbalance, as money is sent abroad without generating any tangible economic benefit for the country. Therefore, it is time to consider securing local sources for khat.

In a country suffering from economic instability, unemployment, and underdeveloped infrastructure, continuously injecting this massive wealth into neighboring economies without any return is unnecessary. The funds spent on importing khat could be redirected towards local agricultural development, job creation, and funding projects that support this sector.

The idea of cultivating and domesticating khat in Somalia is not only feasible but also offers significant economic benefits. The country’s fertile land and suitable climate provide ideal conditions for large-scale khat cultivation. Instead of relying on expensive imports, Somalia can develop a self-sufficient khat industry, creating income for local farmers, traders, and businesses.

Moreover, modern agricultural technology can enhance productivity, ensuring that Somali farmers can produce high-quality khat that competes with imported varieties. This would reduce dependence on foreign suppliers while keeping revenue within the national economy. In a later stage, Somalia could even export khat to Kenya, Ethiopia, and Djibouti through bilateral trade agreements.

Additionally, cultivating khat locally allows for market regulation and taxation, opening a new source of government revenue. These funds could be reinvested into vital sectors such as healthcare, education, and infrastructure.

One of the strongest arguments in favor of cultivating khat locally is its immense potential for job creation. Agriculture is one of the most vital economic sectors in Somalia, and khat farming could provide employment for thousands of people, from rural farmers to urban traders, just as it does in neighboring countries like Kenya, Ethiopia, and Yemen.

In contrast, importing khat from Kenya, Ethiopia, and Yemen creates jobs in those countries while leaving Somali youth unemployed. By shifting to local production, Somalia can reduce unemployment, empower local communities, and stimulate economic growth and reverse trade imbalance.

Furthermore, a domestic khat industry would encourage the development of supporting businesses such as packaging, transportation, and distribution. This means that money will be reinvested within the country, creating a positive economic impact across multiple sectors.