pastoralismcamel

Pastoralism camel, or camel pastoralism, is a form of pastoralism in which camels are the primary livestock. It thrives in arid and semi-arid regions where camels can graze sparse forage and provide milk, meat, hides, fiber, and transport. Mobility is a core feature.

Geographically, camel pastoralism is found across the Sahel, North Africa, the Horn of Africa, the Arabian Peninsula, the Middle East, and parts of Central Asia. It relies on two camel species: the dromedary (one-humped) in hot deserts and the Bactrian (two-humped) in cooler deserts and steppes.

Practices typically involve nomadic or semi-nomadic herding with seasonal migrations to pasture and water. Camels are managed for breeding, and milk is processed into cheese or yogurt. Hides, wool or fiber, and transport services also sustain households and trade.

Economic and social aspects: camel pastoralism supports livelihoods in harsh environments and helps households cope with drought and price shocks. Women often contribute through dairy processing, while men handle herding and long-distance trade. Cross-border networks are important for markets and mobility.

Environment and health: camels are well adapted to arid climates and can utilize sparse resources, though overgrazing and drought threaten rangelands. Camel populations can carry diseases such as MERS-CoV and brucellosis, underscoring the need for veterinary public health measures.

Contemporary trends include pressures from climate change, land tenure reforms, and sedentarization. Some communities diversify with dairy enterprises, tourism, or wage labor, while policymakers seek to preserve mobility and support camel health, markets, and traditional practices.