Environmental Factors Influencing the Sustenance of the Camel Milk Value Chain in Isiolo County, Northern Kenya

Abstract

Dryland areas in northern Kenya experience challenges due to various factors, including environmental degradation associated with unstable weather conditions and climate change. These and related risks and stressors are threats to the sustenance of camel milk production for many of Kenya’s northern communities. We conducted a study among the pastoral communities in Isiolo County whose principal source of livelihood is dependent on camel production. In this paper, we discuss the drivers of the environmental factors influencing the resilience and sustainability of the camel milk value chain in Isiolo County, northern Kenya. We analyzed (i) the internal factors that influence the system, which includes: the categories and economic contributions of livestock-based value chains, the occupation of the camel milk value chain micro players, and land-use practices in Isiolo County, and (ii) the external factors influencing the system: the climatic variability (2014–2017) and its effect on the camel milk value chain, and the vegetation condition index (VCI) indicating drought trends for Isiolo County (2002–2020). The study adopted a field survey through interviews with randomly selected households involved in the camel milk value chain by using a survey questionnaire and a survey guide for focus group discussions (FGD) and key informant interviews (KII). The results from the study showed camel milk as a dominant value chain among the livestock-based value chain products in Isiolo County, the variations in quantities of camel milk supplied due to changes in seasonality, and we show that the current system is not sustainable. We conclude with recommendations to establish a modernized camel milk value chain based on improved natural resources management for a resilient and sustainable system.

Climate change impacts, adaptation options and opportunities for investment in agro-pastoral value chains in arid and semi-arid regions of Kenya

“…As a result, assessing climate risk for value chains is a critical stage in any climate change adaptation plan. For value chain actors, it involves understanding current and future climate risks, considering the consequences for value chain activities, and examining various alternatives for mitigating negative impacts (Thongoh et al, 2021;Machan et al, 2022). This information can help value chain actors engage in forward-thinking and flexible planning processes that maximize their business potential while accounting for climate concerns.…”

“…Pastoralism, which includes extensive livestock production, is heavily reliant on access and availability of water and pasture which are sparsely distributed due to the seasonality of rains in the tropical rangelands (Lutta et al, 2021). Rainfall is extremely localized, unpredictable, seasonal and unreliable, resulting in spatial-temporal fluctuations in water and pasture distribution throughout vast rangeland areas (Machan et al, 2022). Crop production, on the other hand, is particularly vulnerable to weather and climate-related risks such as drought and flooding, which contribute to rising food insecurity (Emali, 2023).…”

Exploiting morphobiometric and genomic variability of African indigenous camel populations-A review

“…In Africa, camel livestock production systems can be broadly classified into two: ‘‘1) the traditional production systems (pastoral nomadic, pastoral transhumant, agro-pastoral and smallholder mixed crop-livestock) and 2) the modern production systems (ranching, intensive/semi-intensive peri-urban/urban, feedlot and commercial production)’’ ( Mirkena et al, 2018 ). Predominantly, camels are kept in the pastoral and agro-pastoral production systems ( Noor et al, 2013 ; Shishay and Mulugeta, 2018 ; Babege et al, 2021 ; Khalil et al, 2021 ; Machan et al, 2022 ). Basically, in the traditional pastoral systems, camels are housed in paddocks within the vicinities of the pastoralists in the night, and are allowed during the day to graze in communal land.…”

“…Rangelands help in the preservation of biodiversity and some of the species of plants that are used for medical purposes. Rangeland policies and implementations with respect to conservation are necessary for sustainable management ( Coppock et al, 2022 ; Farid et al, 2022 ; Jamil et al, 2022 ; Machan et al, 2022 ). It will assist in the nutrition of camels for improvement in their productive and reproductive performances ( Kuria et al, 2021 ).…”