Nairobi — A high-level regional discussion board on the way forward for livestock and camel rearing opened in Nairobi on Monday, with calls to unlock the untapped financial and dietary potential of camels throughout Africa.
The three-day occasion, co-organised by the Meals and Agriculture Group (FAO) and the African Union InterAfrican Bureau for Animal Assets (AU-IBAR), has drawn policymakers, scientists, and pastoralist representatives from throughout the continent.
It’s a part of the Worldwide Yr of Camelids, shining a highlight on the important function camels play in arid and semi-arid areas.
“Africa is residence to over 80 p.c of the world’s one-humped camels. It is time we cease taking this animal without any consideration,” mentioned FAO’s Regional Consultant for Africa, Abebe Haile-Gabriel, in the course of the opening ceremony.
“We should carry camels into the centre of coverage and funding conversations–not simply as an emblem of survival, however as a path to sustainable livelihoods.”
Camels, particularly prized for his or her milk, are sometimes the one supply of diet for kids in pastoralist communities the place drought and meals shortage are frequent. The milk is wealthy in vitamin C, iron, and different key vitamins.
In his remarks, African Union Commissioner Moses Vilakati mentioned Africa should start closing the hole between its livestock assets and meals manufacturing. “Regardless of holding 14 p.c of the world’s livestock, sub-Saharan Africa solely produces 2.8 p.c of worldwide meat and milk,” he mentioned. “That should change.”
Vilakati emphasised the significance of bettering entry to animal-source meals, particularly in international locations the place individuals eat as little as three kilograms of animal protein per 12 months. “Even occasional consumption may help cut back baby stunting and enhance well being outcomes,” he added.
Kenya’s Principal Secretary for Livestock Growth, Dr. Jonathan Mueke, mentioned camels are important in serving to communities adapt to local weather change. He famous that Kenya hosts round 4.6 million camels–more than another nation in Africa after Somalia.
“Camels aren’t simply animals; they’re a lifeline for a lot of households in dry areas,” mentioned Dr. Mueke.
“As droughts turn into extra frequent, their potential to outlive on little water makes them a strategic asset in constructing resilience and making certain meals safety.”
The discussion board additionally launched an exhibition that includes camel-related improvements, conventional makes use of, and cultural artefacts.
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Over the subsequent two days, delegates will dive into coverage discussions on livestock transformation, regional funding, and the way to higher combine camels into Africa’s meals techniques.
AU-IBAR, the African Union’s lead company on livestock, is utilizing the discussion board to spotlight its ongoing work via the Livestock Growth Technique for Africa.
The technique helps international locations in constructing stronger worth chains and monitoring progress on livestock indicators, together with these associated to camel well being and productiveness.
FAO, in the meantime, is asking for broader efforts to enhance animal well being, increase entry to markets, and help analysis on camels and different livestock species.
The company says camels could possibly be a part of the answer to starvation, poverty, and local weather vulnerability in Africa–if given the eye and funding they deserve.
The Nairobi discussion board runs till Wednesday, each in-person and on-line.
