Camels in the farming systems of the arid highlands of western Pakistan: is management research a worthwhile investment?

Abstract

Farmers and camel herders in the arid highlands of western Pakistan are generally disadvantaged economically. The results of a survey of highland farmers indicate that they own on average 5·2 camels, the majority of which are of working age. Camels are a major financial asset for farmers and 57 percent of farmers/herders expect to be using such animal draft power in 10 years time. Camels are valued for their versatility of agricultural use and are particularly preferred over tractors for sowing operations. In cases of animal sickness farmers are usually dependent on home remedies as veterinarians are not easily available.