This publication presents study carried out to provide empirical information that informs the debate and decision making process towards improving livestock trade and marketing in Somalia by enabling the development of effective and efficient marketing support services and accountable and competent rural institutions. The study focuses mainly on objectives which are to generate information that could be used to improve livestock export marketing institutions and support services. The study was conducted to: standardize quality and the criteria used for grading livestock for export; identify hazard analysis critical control points (HACCPs) along marketing chains; develop and formalize quality control systems; link primary, district & regional markets more effectively; reduce transactions costs for traders; increase competitiveness for producers; strengthen the regulatory role of local administrators; and to develop and disseminate relevant market information to stakeholders.