International Year of Camelids 2024

Introduction

Camel rearing in Afghanistan is an important aspect of the country’s agricultural and livestock sector. Camels have been traditionally raised in various regions of Afghanistan, particularly in the central and southern parts where the climate and terrain are well-suited for their adaptation. Nimroz is home to the largest number of camels in Afghanistan followed by Helmand and Farah. Afghanistan has a population of 169,300 camels[1].

[1] Camel stocks – Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations

Importance and Uses

Camel plays a vital role in the livelihoods of many Afghan communities predominantly pastoralists (kuchies). They are primarily used for transportation, especially in remote and rugged areas where other means of transportation are limited. Camels are also valued for their milk, meat, wool, and hides, which are important sources of sustenance, income, and trade for the local population

Figure 1 One-humped camel transporting people and pastoralist items in Balkh Province

The Raigi camel is used mainly as baggage animal, but also for milk and meat production, and wool for bedding material, tents and rugs netting. Milk is consumed fresh. The surplus milk is fermented as yogurt or dried (Qoroot). The meat of camel is traditionally dried (Landi) and used during the winter. The Raigi camel like other food livestock is also slaughtered on special occasions in religious rituals like Eid ul Adha and Sadaqa. The markets of the cities like Ghazni, Zabul, Kandahar are the main markets for the the meat.[1]

[1] A. Raziq, A. M. Tareen and K. de Verdier

Breeds

Afghanistan is home to several camel breeds, including the Bactrian camel (double humped, Camelus bactrianus) and the Single humped camel (Camelus dromedarius). The Bactrian camel is characterized by its two humps and is well-adapted to cold climates, while the Afghan camel is a dromedary breed with a single hump and is better suited to arid and desert regions. There are three types of single-humped camels, 1 pashm, 2 pashm, and 3 pashm (pashm means wool). The camels shed their wool in the springs and the female ones can become pregnant after shedding three times.

The Raigi camel in Afghanistan is an indigenous multipurpose breed with considerable milk production potential (6-10 Liter/day) under ordinary grazing conditions on salt bushes and brackish water. The milk is used locally for drying (Qoroot) because of its high total solid. Meat, wool and transport are additional products.[1]

Figure 2 Bactrian Camels near Balk-Picture of Let’s Be Friends-Mazar-i-Sharif-Tripadvisor.

Adaptation to Climate

Camels are well-suited to Afghanistan’s diverse climatic conditions. They have evolved to endure extreme temperatures, ranging from freezing winters in the mountainous regions to scorching summers in the desert areas. Their ability to survive on sparse vegetation and limited water resources makes them an ideal choice for nomadic or semi-nomadic herding communities. The pastoralists’ camels conserve the biodiversity of the local ecosystems they graze within. The camels of the pastoral people are multipurpose. Through their interaction with the forests and rangeland that are particularly hardy, able to forage and digest rough vegetation, withstand the dry and harsh environment, walk long distances, highly adapted to the mountainous ecology and resistant to many diseases and parasites. The camels enable the pastoral people to respond to changes in the natural environment, important attributes in the context of climate change adaptation and food security and sovereignty. The dromedary camel is one of the major species reared by pastoral people. The Raigi camel breed is found in the Paktika, Ghazni, Zabul and Kandhar, and was previously used for salt transportation. It is well adapted to the ecosystems and climatic extremes, the brackish water and the salty vegetation.  It is significant in the pastoral economy and socio-economic culture and represents an indigenous animal genetic resource.[1]   

Herding Practices

Camel herding in Afghanistan is often practiced by nomadic or semi-nomadic communities known as Kuchi or Kochi. These herders move with their camel herds in search of grazing lands, following traditional.

migration routes or based on seasonal variations. They have an intricate understanding of the local ecological conditions and adapt their movements accordingly.

Development Efforts

Various governmental and non-governmental organizations are working to support camel herders in Afghanistan. These efforts include providing veterinary care, promoting sustainable grazing practices, improving access to markets and value chains, and enhancing the overall well-being of camel herders.

Challenges

Despite the significance of camel rearing in Afghanistan, there are several challenges facing the sector. These include conflicts and insecurity in certain regions, which disrupt traditional herding practices and pose risks to both herders and their camels. Limited access to veterinary services, animal healthcare, and improved breeding practices also impact the overall productivity and health of the camel populations.

[1] A. Raziq, A. M. Tareen and K. de Verdier

[1] A. Raziq, A. M. Tareen and K. de Verdier

[1] A. Raziq, A. M. Tareen and K. de Verdier.