Bockline Omedo Bebe

Development of Peri-urban Camel Production System in Semi-arid Kenya: Characteristics, Feeding and Marketing Practices Bockline Omedo Bebe

The camel (Camelus dromedarius) is an important livelihood asset in semi-arid Kenya. Pastoral camel management strategies, characterised by free herd mobility that enables efficient utilisation of rangeland resources, is slowly adopting restricted camel foraging near urban markets. The emerging peri-urban production system has potential livelihood benefits but there are emerging pressures that can impede its developments. This book provides insights into challenges to its development and intervention options. The book, structured into seven chapters, begins with a general introduction followed by an extensive literature review. The next four chapters? present findings related to the specific objectives. All the findings are then integrated in a general discussion. Hopefully, information presented will provide better understanding of camel production in the context of changing production in light of changing climatic conditions. The book is intended for extension personnel working with camel herders and entrepreneurs, policy makers, students, professionals, and development agencies interested in supporting livelihoods of rural communities using the camel as a potential resource.