Socio-economic constraints on camel production in Pakistan’s extensive pastoral farming

Abstract

The present research is aimed to evaluate the diverse husbandry practices, ethno-veterinary practices, socio-economic status and distressing constraints of camel pastoralists inhabiting desert (Thal) areas of Pakistan, where they maintain herds of Marecha and Barela dromedaries in extensive production regimes. For this purpose, 200 pastoralists were selected at random to fill out an on-site questionnaire. According to the farmers’ responses, it was perceived that their living status had improved in the last decades due to the progressive optimization of camel productivity and herdsmen responsiveness. In contrast, calf mortality rates, some traditional husbandry practices and the lack of market investments continued to be the major constraints affecting camel overall production. Ethno-veterinary medicines are widely applied as primary health care, thus influencing the general health, production potentials and relief of camels in the study region. With this scenario, concerned stakeholders and authorized institutions must re-evaluate the urgent needs of indigenous communities; their education and husbandry skills to promote economic/ financial support in low-income remote areas. In turn, traditional communities will be adapted to the changing socio-economic and cultural values with regard to camel husbandry and welfare. Current societal perceptions and demands within this livestock production industry, where camels are conceived as a sustainable food security animal, if accomplished to the highest possible extent, will increase effectiveness of the camel value chain and breeders’ quality of life will be noticeably enhanced. However, this success could be multiplied if government may devise community education, veterinary cover, marketing facilitates and interest-free small loans for pastoralists.

A Case Study on Camel's Production System in Marsa-Matrouh Governorate, Egypt دراسة حالة على نظام إنتاج الإبل فى محافظة مرسى مطروح بمصر

“…This result was in a match with what was found by Musa et al (2006) and Eisa and Mustafa (2011) who found that the milk yield of Sudan camels ranged from 5-10kg/day. This yield was found to be in line with Hussain et al (2013), Kaurajo et al (2020), andFaraz et al (2021) who estimated that the average daily milk yield was ranged from 4-9 liters in different camel's breeds in Pakistan. While it was more than what was found by Bhakat (2000) and Marghazani et al (2019) who noted that the average daily milk yield was 3kg, and ranged from 2-5 liters in both Egypt and Pakistan, respectively.…”

“…On the other hand, Simenew et al (2013) said that the number of services per conception was 1.63±0.85 in Afar camels in Ethiopia. Gherissi et al (2020) reported that the number of services per conception in Algerian camels was 2.09±1.03, and Faraz et al (2021) found that the pastoralists in Pakistan mate she-camels 2-3 times in order to get pregnant.…”

Potential of camel production and management Practices in Ethiopia: Review

“…It could broadly classify the camel's husbandry in different parts world as traditional nomadic management system and transhumant, sedentary, semi-intensive and intensive management system (Faraz et al, 2021b). In Ethiopia semi-intensive and intensive management practice not practiced for camel production as compared to other animals.…”

Understanding the Dynamics of Human–Wildlife Conflicts in North-Western Pakistan: Implications for Sustainable Conservation

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