Camel Systems and Pastoralists’ Lifestyle in Semi-Deserts and Mountains: Constraints and Challenges

Camels are vital to the daily life of all desert dwellers, especially Bedouins, for whom they form a source of food, a means of transportation and recreation. To appreciate the unique contribution that Arabian camels make towards the community life and the history of the desert lands, in this paper, the pastoral production systems observed across three major regions - Butana, Kordofan and Darfur - are discussed. The field survey based study was conducted from August 2011 to May 2014 using structured interview method to determine the limitations and challenges faced by camel pastoral community in main camel production regions of Sudan. The results revealed that the average of calving interval was 30 months; male camel is rutting for 3 months during rainy season. She-camel gives birth to 6-8 calves throughout the life. The average milk yield was 3 liters per day with the lactation period extended to more than 10 months. The calf is weaned for 10 months or more. Social prestige and continuity of traditional heritage are the major reasons for keeping animals rather than economic revenue. However, it was found that the security issues are limiting camel breeding practices and pastoralists’ movement in the semi-desert and mountain regions. Internal conflicts between farmers and pastoralists that often develop into tribal wars also affected pastoral production systems. Such constraints in addition to the lack of government support and favorable policies present major challenges to camel pastoral system in the region.