Integration of camel research and development in the veterinary profession in Kenya and future

Abstract

The camel is uniquely adapted to hot and arid environments. Camels in Kenya are used for food security and as source of livelihoods. Challenges of climate change led to more attention on camel research and development since 1970s. Three major projects on camel research and development in the arid and semi arid lands of Kenya were implemented from the late 70s to early 90s with varying successes and challenges. With increasing aridity of the ranges, camels prevail because they are better adapted than other livestock to water and feed stress. The Kenya Camel Association was founded in 1995 to advocate on camel research and development issues for the betterment of the wellbeing of camel owners. The association works with partners in implementation and advocacy of appropriate policies, addressing the role of camels and the threats of climate change using the annual Kenya Camel Forums as a platform for information sharing. The forum is the trademark of advocacy for camel research and development in Kenya and it will be discussed in details in this paper. The Government of Kenya and partners have goodwill for camel development thus the future of the spread of camel keeping Kenya is promising.