Nairobi — A major regional forum exploring the future of livestock in Africa opened in Nairobi on Monday, with camel herders, scientists, and government officials gathered to rethink how the continent raises its animals and feeds its people.
The three-day event, organised by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the African Union’s Inter-African Bureau for Animal Resources (AU-IBAR), comes as climate change, food insecurity, and rural poverty challenge old methods of farming.
At the heart of the discussions is a creature often overlooked in global agriculture: the camel.
“Camels are central to the survival of communities in drylands,” said Huyam Salih, Director of AU-IBAR. “If we are talking about climate resilience and food security in arid regions, then we must talk about camelids.”
The forum, running from 10–12 June, is part of the global observance of the International Year of Camelids. An exhibition showcasing innovations in camel-keeping and the knowledge of pastoralist communities is also on display.
Held under the theme “Sustainable livestock systems; food security; improved livelihoods; and One Health,” the meeting aims to push forward the Global Plan of Action for Sustainable Livestock Transformation. The message is clear: the future of farming in Africa must be not only productive but also sustainable.
Speakers at the event include Kenya’s Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe, FAO Assistant Director-General Abebe Haile-Gabriel, and African Union Commissioner for Agriculture Moses Vilakati. All stressed the urgency of reshaping animal agriculture to withstand shifting climates and market demands.
“We are talking about food systems that protect people, animals, and the environment,” said Thanawat Tiensin, FAO’s Director of Animal Production and Health.
Among the issues raised were the chronic lack of veterinary care in remote regions, poor infrastructure, and limited access to markets—particularly for camel herders in places like northern Kenya, Ethiopia, and parts of the Sahel.
“These are not just technical challenges. They are questions of justice and inclusion,” said Dr Mariam Oduor, a livestock policy expert from the University of Nairobi. “If we continue to ignore pastoralists, we widen the gap between the rural poor and national development goals.”
The event builds on momentum from the 2023 Global Conference on Sustainable Livestock Transformation, where countries committed to more climate-friendly and inclusive livestock policies.
For many of the participants, it’s a chance to be heard and to shape the agenda.
“Livestock is our bank, our culture, and our future,” said Abdi Noor, a camel herder from Isiolo. “We just want the world to see it that way too.”
As the forum continues, discussions are expected to focus on investment, policy reform, and how better animal health services and infrastructure could drive long-term change.
Whether the talk in Nairobi translates into real action on the ground remains to be seen. But for now, the spotlight belongs to Africa’s herders and their camels.
