| dc.description.abstract | Perspectives on the veiled potential of the one-humped camel (Camelus dromedaries),
and its perceived future role in mitigating the devastating effects of climate change and in
enhancing ASAL livelihoods in Kenya
Wamwere Njoroge, G.J.
Community Development Officer, GoK/ADB ASAL Based Livestock and Rural Livelihoods Support
Project (ALLPRO),Ministry of Livestock Development,P.O. Box 34188, 00100 Nairobi, Kenya,Email;
gwjnjoroge@yahoo.com
Abstracts
This paper gives a synthesis that attempts to lays bare the enormous untapped treasure inherent in the
mysterious C. dromedaries (alas “Desert Car”), with specific emphasis on ASALs zones of Kenya.
Historically, droughts have manifested a well known phenomenon of predictable cyclic occurrence, a
character that had enabled ASAL dwellers to develop coping strategies that had served them well for
generations. To the contrary, empirical research in the recent years has shown that as a consequence
of the adverse effects of climate change and global warming, the droughts will henceforth be
marked with the triple character of being more frequent, prolonged and intensive. This coupled with
unchecked population increase has lead to devastating effect on both national and household food
security, especially to the residents of Arid and Semi-arid Lands, who utterly rely on only livestock,
hence a mono livelihood source.
Among the domesticated animal species, the camel is the only creature that can stand in the gap and
provide a worthy alternative to this grim scenario. It therefore the conclusion of this analysis that due
to the demonstrated camel superior traits compared to other livestock species that include: the assured
survival and continued productivity even in extreme climatic conditions and proven value of camel
milk as healthy food are just some few indicators to the future role of the camel in mitigating the
unstoppable negative effects of climate change and in enhancing livelihoods both within and without
their traditional areas | en_US |
