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The West African Camels: Heroes of the Desert

By: Dionne Roberts

Camels live in the desert regions of Africa, Asia, and the Middle East and are common in rural areas of Niger and Mali. The global camel population sits at around 41 million, with 1.9 million in Niger and 1.3 million in Mali.

There are two main species of camel: the Bactrian camel and the dromedary camel. Although they are now common in West Africa, camels were probably domesticated in the Arabian Peninsula or Somalia 4,000–5,000 years ago. Around 90 percent of camels worldwide are dromedaries, which are also called Arabian camels. All dromedary camels today are domesticated. In contrast, Bactrian camels can be either wild or domesticated.

The Arabian camel is easy to recognize by its long, curved neck, deep narrow chest, and single hump. Its thick lips help it eat tough, thorny plants. Their feet are wide and padded, making it easier for them to walk on sand. They thrive in extreme heat (up to 120°F) by storing energy-rich fat in their humps, rarely sweating, and traveling up to 100 miles without water. This makes them extremely important animals for people who live in desert areas, where water and food can be difficult to find.

These “heroes of the desert,” as they are known, have long been valued as pack and saddle animals, and they are also used for their milk, meat, wool, and hides.

Photo credit: Lindsey Gossage

Camels to Aid in Alleviating Poverty in Niger and Mali

Niger and Mali rely heavily on camels because of their ability to withstand prolonged drought, their high tolerance to dehydration, and their specialized digestive systems, which enable them to tolerate habitats such as shrub and grasslands. Camels may be the most practical livestock to keep, as they can provide a stable source of both food and income for 17 or more years (the median life expectancy for camels is 17.8 years).

Traditionally, they have been used for drawing water from wells, transportation, and carrying loads. With new technology, they can also be used to plow through arid soil and uncover the nutrient-rich layers beneath, giving farmers a new, cost-effective way to cultivate their land.  

Camels are kept for milk production in Africa and Asia. In sub-Saharan Africa, camels make up about 8 percent of total milk production. Camel milk is slightly saltier than cow milk and has about eight times more vitamin C than cow milk. It offers an alternative source of this essential nutrient for people living in arid and semi-arid areas who cannot easily access vitamin C from fruits and vegetables.

Besides milk and meat, camels provide several products with economic value:

  • Wool: Camel wool is used to produce high-quality textiles, such as rugs, clothing, and blankets.
  • Hides: Camel leather is durable and used in making shoes, bags, and other products.
  • Manure: Apart from its use as a fertilizer, camel dung can be used as a biofuel for cooking and heating in rural areas.
  • Tourism: In desert regions, camel safaris and rides have become popular attractions, drawing tourists and generating income for local communities.

International Year of Camelids

Camels belong to a family of even-toed ungulate mammals known as camelids that includes llamas, alpacas, and vicunas. In 2024, the UN marked the International Year of Camelids to highlight their vital role in supporting millions of people living in harsh environments across more than 90 countries. The International Year of Camelids 2024 aimed to raise awareness of camels’ untapped potential and urged increased investment, research, capacity development, and innovative practices.

Camels play a vital role in fighting hunger, eradicating extreme poverty, and empowering women. Women are often the first to spot disease symptoms like a sudden drop in milk production or illness in calves. With training, many women have become effective community animal health workers. They care for animals, process and sell camel products, and even take part in cross-border trade.

From providing milk, meat, and pelts for communities to transporting products and people, and producing organic fertilizer, camels thrive where other livestock species struggle.

Photo credit: ILRI/Stevie Mann

In Niger and Mali, these “heroes of the desert” can help advance sustainable agriculture and improve lives through their contribution to livelihoods, food security, and nutrition.

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