The cow is the most important farm animal in parts of Africa but climate change is threatening the existence of the animal. Recurring droughts and extreme heat are making cows unable to produce essential milk. Camel produces milk in harsh conditions where other farm animals are hard to survive. In Kenya, a group of farmers has found an alternative to camel milk.
Unlike cows, camels can withstand long periods of extreme drought and still produce milk all year round. Some 200 women have already made the switch from cow to camel milk. Camel milk is healthier and pleasant in taste. The move has improved living conditions for many, especially because they are able to sell milk from their camels at a competitive price. In the following links, you can read further about the emerging camel dairies in the horn of Africa.
- Kenyan Herders Are Switching from Cattle to Camels to Adapt to Climate Change
- Inside the Lucrative Business of Camel Farming
- In Kenya, your next coffee could be a ‘camel-ccino’
- A shift from cattle to camel and goat farming can sustain milk production with lower inputs and emissions in north sub-Saharan Africa’s drylands
