Camel Milk Value Chain in Kenya: A Review

Abstract

The dromedary camel is considered an integral species of the arid and semi-arid lands (ASAL) in Kenya. It’s adaptation to the climatic and geographical conditions of the ASAL had enabled the camel to be regarded as the most important animal source of food as well as source of transport, draught and cultural significance. Camel milk is to a great extent utilized in the ASAL at subsistence level, but also makes way to the peri-urban centres and ultimately to the capital city, where there is high demand for the product.

The main purpose of this review is to consolidate research done on camel milk value chain in Kenya, to establish the contribution of camel milk to the pastoral and national economy, to determine opportunities for investment by the county governments and private sectors as well as to recommend milk value chain upgrading strategies in a bid to increase livelihoods of pastoral communities and other actors involved in the camel milk value chain.

Keywords: camel milk, value chain, marketing, upgrading strategies

DOI: 10.7176/JMCR/58-06

Publication date:July 31^st 2019