Nairobi Hosts Regional Forum on Future of Livestock and Camel for Africa's Nutrition
- Kenya hosted a high-level regional forum, bringing together stakeholders in the livestock sector
- The forum organised by the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO), the Ministry of Livestock and other partners kicked off on Monday, June 9
- Speaking during the launch, Principal Secretary for Livestock Development Jonathan Mueke emphasised the forum's theme, which shared insights on the nutritional value of camels
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Nairobi, Kenya- Stakeholders in the livestock sector converged in Nairobi for a high-level regional forum.
Source: Twitter
The convention that kicked off on Monday, June 9, touched on the future of livestock and camel rearing.
Participants shared calls to unlock the untapped economic and nutritional potential of camels across Africa.
The three-day event, co-organised by the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) and the African Union InterAfrican Bureau for Animal Resources (AU-IBAR), drew policymakers, scientists, and pastoralist representatives from across the continent.
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International year of camelids
It was part of the International Year of Camelids, shining a spotlight on the vital role camels play in arid and semi-arid regions.
“Africa is home to over 80% of the world’s one-humped camels. It’s time we stop taking this animal for granted.
“We must bring camels into the centre of policy and investment conversations—not just as a symbol of survival, but as a path to sustainable livelihoods," said FAO’s Regional Representative for Africa, Abebe Haile-Gabriel, during the opening ceremony.
Abebe noted that camels, especially prized for their milk, are often the only source of nutrition for children in pastoralist communities where drought and food scarcity are frequent.
He said that the milk is rich in vitamin C, iron, and other key nutrients.
Kenya’s Principal Secretary for Livestock Development, Dr. Jonathan Mueke, said camels are essential in helping communities adapt to climate change.
He noted that Kenya hosts around 4.6 million camels—more than any other country in Africa after Somalia.
“Camels are not just animals; they are a lifeline for many families in dry regions. As droughts become more frequent, their ability to survive on little water makes them a strategic asset in building resilience and ensuring food security, said Mueke.
Source: Original
Food production in Kenya, Africa
African Union Commissioner Moses Vilakati said Africa must begin closing the gap between its livestock resources and food production.
“Despite holding 14% of the world’s livestock, sub-Saharan Africa only produces 2.8% of global meat and milk. That needs to change," said Vilakati.
Vilakati emphasised the importance of improving access to animal-source foods, especially in countries where people consume as little as three kilograms of animal protein per year.
“Even occasional consumption can help reduce child stunting and improve health outcomes,” he added.
What to know about the forum
The forum also launched an exhibition featuring camel-related innovations, traditional uses, and cultural artefacts.
Delegates dived into policy discussions on livestock transformation, regional investment, and how to better integrate camels into Africa’s food systems.
AU-IBAR, the African Union’s lead agency on livestock, is using the forum to highlight its ongoing work through the Livestock Development Strategy for Africa.
Food solution in Africa
The strategy supports countries in building stronger value chains and tracking progress on livestock indicators, including those related to camel health and productivity.
Meanwhile, FAO called for broader efforts to improve animal health, expand access to markets, and support research on camels and other livestock species.
The agency says camels could be part of the solution to hunger, poverty, and climate vulnerability in Africa—if given the attention and investment they deserve.
Proofreading by Jackson Otukho, copy editor at TUKO.co.ke.
Source: TUKO.co.ke
