A bibliometric analysis of six decades of camel research in North Africa: Trends, collaboration, and emerging themes.

Abstract

Background: Camels play a crucial role in North Africa's economy and agriculture, providing essential products, transportation, and tourism.

Aim: This study conducts a comprehensive bibliometric analysis of camel research in North Africa between 1964 and 2024. The primary objectives are to evaluate research productivity, identify key contributors, and highlight emerging trends.

Methods: Data were collected from the Scopus database, which contained 1805 research documents. Bibliometrix and VOSviewer were used to visualize co-authorship networks, citation patterns, and keyword trends.

Results: The research output has increased dramatically since the mid-2000s, with a peak in publications between 2018 and 2020. Collaborations made up 53.91% of articles. The research clusters in camel studies from North Africa include camel physiology and reproduction, focusing on topics such as ovarian function, semen preservation, and seasonal variations; Microbiology and genetics, addressing microbial infections and genetic diversity; Epidemiology and disease control, which covers studies on disease prevalence, risk factors, and seroprevalence; and Camel milk research, emphasizing its nutritional and therapeutic properties, particularly related to oxidative stress and antioxidants.

Conclusion: Camel research in North Africa has grown significantly, with a focus on health, genetics, and sustainability. However, there are still gaps in molecular and transdisciplinary research, notably in areas such as genetic diversity and ecological integration. Future research should prioritize these areas and foster greater international collaboration to address pressing concerns like climate change.