Why pastoralists keep camels in Karamoja, Uganda

The article “Socio-economic determinants of pastoralists’ choice of camel production in Karamoja sub-region, Uganda” (2017) by Jenipher Biira Salamula et al (published in Pastoralism: Research, Policy and Practice 7:26) tries to explain why pastoralists in Karamoja choose to rear camels in their search for improved food and income security. A total of 116 respondents were interviewed in Moroto and Amudat Districts: camel-owning households identified through a snowball-sampling approach and households without camels selected randomly close to those with camels. Older household heads with smaller households and larger herds were more likely to keep camels. All household members were engaged in camel management: herding by the children and men, milking mainly by women, and disease management by men and the elderly. Key motivations for camel rearing were to obtain more milk and because the household had inherited camels and the associated skills. The initial high cost of acquiring camels and limited skills in handling them were the main limitations to entering into camel production. Most herders lacked access to camel-related extension and credit services.

The study recommends that herders should be availed with important information on camel management. The capacities of extension agents in camel production need to be strengthened, with attention given to the central role of women and children in camel management. It is vital to strengthen innovative financing mechanisms and traditional systems such as agistment that can support pastoralists wanting to acquire camels.

 

Posted on 26 September 2017 in Pastoralism, Gender & Youth, Pastoralist Livelihoods & Nutrition