Factors influencing Camel milk production in Central Division of Isiolo District: A case of three Camel milk women self help groups in Isiolo County, Kenya

Abstract

This study was conducted in Central Division of Isiolo District in Isiolo County, Kenya. The objectives of the study were to determine how camel feeds influence camel milk production, to establish how camel milk marketing and infrastructure influence camel milk production, to establish how camel breeds influence camel milk production and to assess how extension services influence camel milk production in Central Division of Isiolo District. The study was undertaken in the three purposively selected Camel milk Self help Groups and these were Anolei Camel Milk Cooperative Society, Tawakal Women Self Help Group and Defe Camel Milk Self Help Group. The target population of the study was 140 members of the women camel milk self help groups. Census method was used to collect primary data from the three camel milk self help groups. Census sampling technique was used for the study and all the 140 members of the three camel milk groups were sampled for the study. The study was limited to Central Division of Isiolo District and to the three camel milk groups. The study adopted a descriptive survey design and data was collected using structured and semi-structured questionnaires. The data was also collected from the three women groups by focus group discussions and personal interviews. The results of the study show that majority of the camel milk producers used full grazing and browsing as their main grazing system. The most common feed for feeding camels were native browses (Trees and shrubs). It was also revealed that most of the farmers don’t grow fodder because of insufficient information and insufficient rains. For few who grow fodder, the mostly grown fodder forage was grass. The main feed supplement bought was found to be mineral supplements like mineral licks. These feed supplements are bought most of the time for the lactating camels. It was also revealed that the feed supplements were bought from private agro veterinary retailers in Isiolo. The study revealed that the main source of water for camels was the nearby river and wells were used sparingly. It was also found that the farmers brought camels to the rivers and water scarcity was found to be the main water related problem in the area. It was found that farmers kept mostly single humped camels for milk production because they produce higher volumes of milk. It was also shown that farmers used natural mating breeding technique because they have no access to artificial insemination. The findings also show there is also high demand for camel milk by consumers and there is lack of cooling facilities in the area. The findings also show that the common causes of camel losses were diseases, drought and camel rustling. The farmers also use herbal remedies because veterinary services were not readily accessible and were expensive. The generated data from the study will be useful to the camel farmers, Government officers and other stake holders.