Socio-economic aspects of camel farming: a case study from Oman

Abstract

The study examines the social and economic factors that affect camel breeding and production, such as financial, medical, fodder and food supplements, breeders’ gender and age, income, employment status, organisational support and funding. Primary data are obtained using a bilingual questionnaire from 200 camel holders from the North Sharqiyah Region in Oman. The study found that camel breeders’ main source of income is earned from the sale of camels and the camel racing competitions. The sector is not organised, and the return is risky and insecure. A focused approach to camel farming is not observed due to specific challenges that the camel breeders face, such as the price of fodder and food supplements in the market and the difficulties in securing adequate water for camel farms. The study recommends strategies to develop and guarantee sustainable support for the camel farmers, as it contributes to the country’s social and economic development.