Camel rearing in the arid and semi-arid lands of Africa has been described by scientists as one of the most rational human adaptations to harsh environments.
Yet, despite its central role in sustaining millions of pastoralists, the camel remains one of the most neglected animals in scientific research, leaving deep gaps in knowledge about its health, reproduction, and productivity.
Globally, the camel population exceeds 42 million, with Africa hosting 84 percent of the total.
The Horn of Africa alone accounts for nearly a third, and Kenya contributes 10 percent, making it the fourth-largest camel producer in the world after Chad, Somalia, and Sudan.
Researchers warn that as climate change intensifies, camels will become even more vital for food security due to their unmatched ability to produce milk for extended periods under extreme heat and water scarcity, often when other livestock fail.
Despite this, teaching and research institutions have given inadequate attention to the species.
Critical areas such as reproductive technologies, including artificial insemination and the use of sexed semen to produce more female calves, have not been effectively developed.
“Camel production in our region is far below potential. We have the herds, but without scientific investment in reproduction, disease control, and productivity, we cannot unlock their full economic value,” said Dr. Diba Dida Wako, who leads Mercy Corps’ Regional Livestock Programme, funded by the Embassy of Switzerland and the French Government.
The lack of research is particularly stark in camel disease management.
Many outbreaks in recent years have been attributed to illnesses of “unknown aetiology,” frustrating pastoralists who have lost thousands of animals without clear answers.
In 2023, an elder from Garissa, Mr. Dubat, expressed his exasperation: “Do not tell us that our camels are suffering from mysterious diseases. Rather, tell us they have been bewitched and we might believe you.”
Records show mysterious camel diseases in Marsabit in 2024, a mass camel die-off in Ethiopia’s Somali region in 2021, and repeated outbreaks in Kenya, Somalia, and Ethiopia over the past two decades.
Experts argue that identifying the causes of these diseases is urgent, as they continue to threaten livelihoods in the Horn of Africa.
To address these gaps, the 4th Pastoralist Leadership Summit, held in Wajir in December last year, adopted a resolution calling for the establishment of a Camel Centre of Excellence.
The centre, championed by the Regional Livestock Programme and its partners, aims to lead global efforts in camel research, focusing on disease diagnosis, reproductive technologies, and improved management practices.
“With nearly one-third of the world’s camels, the Horn of Africa and by extension, Kenya, has both a moral obligation and a socio-economic imperative to lead in advancing camel science,” Dr. Diba noted. “This is not just about animals; it is about securing nutrition, income, and resilience for millions of pastoral households.”
If successfully implemented, the proposed centre could position Kenya as a leader in camel research and innovation, transforming the animal from an under-researched survivor of harsh climates into a scientifically managed cornerstone of climate-resilient pastoral economies.
Original story by Dr Diba Dida Wako, who leads Mercy Corps' Regional Livestock Programme that is funded by the Embassy of Switzerland and the French Government.