Camels in Botswana: Herd dynamics and future development implications

Abstract

This study was conducted to assess the current status of camels kept at the Tsabong Ecotourism Camel Park (TECP) and to make recommendations for improvement of their productivity. A semi-structured questionnaire was prepared and all park workers and the park manager were interviewed on various issues related to the camel park. In addition, field observations were made by touring the entire park in order to identify browse species consumed by the camels. Also, the overall conditions of the camel herd were assessed by visiting them at the kraal. The results showed that the camel park is currently facing a wide range of problems and the Tsabong camel herd is underutilized and performing well below its potential. The camels are currently used only for tourism (riding) purposes. However, the main reason for keeping camels elsewhere in the world is for food production, mainly for milk production. Thus, due emphasis should be given to milk production from camels alongside camel tourism (camel safari). If appropriate interventions are taken to improve the productivity of the camels, they would significantly contribute towards achieving food security and economic prosperity in Kgalagadi District, Botswana.