Camels in Ethiopia: An overview of demography, productivity, socio-economic value and diseases

Camels are indispensable for the livelihood and survival of pastoral communities in arid environments of Ethiopia, where feed/water resources are scarce and droughts recur.

For pastoralists, camels are the most valued and prestigious animal species, used as bride price, payment for blood compensation and are gifts of high honour.

Their resilience to drought makes them the animal of choice in view of climate change.

A new research report (July 2024) published by the International Livestock Research Institute synthesizes literature on camel demography, productive and reproductive performances, diseases and contributions to Ethiopian households and national economy.

It fills knowledge gaps on camel resources, production, and marketing constraints and potential.

The authors reviewed published scientific literature, unpublished reports and institutional databases of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, the Central Statistical Agency of Ethiopia and the Livestock Market Information System of Ethiopia.

Camel product market prices were collected from selected towns through local government staff.

The review was commissioned by the Global Burden of Animal Diseases program.

Citation
Megersa, B., Temesgen, W., Amenu, K., Asfaw, W., Gizaw, S., Yussuf, B. and Knight-Jones, T. 2024. Camels in Ethiopia: An overview of demography, productivity, socio-economic value and diseases. ILRI Research Report 121. Nairobi, Kenya: ILRI.

Photo: Camels in Metahara area, Oromia Region, Ethiopia (ILRI/Apollo Habtamu)