Management and Marketing of Somali Camels in Isiolo and Marsabit Kenya

This book is a presentation of the background information, methodology, results and recommendations of a case study conducted in Isiolo and Marsabit Counties of northern Kenya to document acquisition, current management practices of Somali camel breed, estimate potential profitability of the camel rearing in peri-urban areas with a view of making recommendations to promote commercial rearing of the camel breed for food security and climate adaptation. Data was collected using structured questionnaire where 91 and 120 randomly selected respondents were individually interviewed in Isiolo and Marsabit respectively and, focus group discussions. Results indicated Isiolo pastoralists were better camel managers than Marsabit. Isiolo and Marsabit pastoralists were respectively making KES. 10,292 and 4,888 monthly from sale of live camels and milk based on indigenous management knowledge. The enterprise was profitable and could be improved further through training of pastoralists on improved camel management technologies.