Camels in Crisis: Africa’s Desert Nomads Face Extreme Heat Toll The Afar region of northeastern Ethiopia, known for its unforgiving climate, is witnessing a distressing trend that has even the hardy camel, the “ships of the desert, “struggling under the weight of extreme heat. Camel herders are reporting a surge in deaths and illnesses among their herds, with Ali Umer, a camel herder from Semera in Afar, losing eight camel calves in just the past month. “I can see my camels suffering from extreme heat, “Umer told the BBC. “.
They get blisters on their feet, their eyes become watery, and the hot sand burns their skin and eats up their hair when they are sitting. “This is not an isolated incident. Experts and studies are increasingly linking the rising temperatures to the health and productivity of camel populations in the region.
The shift from cattle to camels as a coping mechanism for herders facing heat and drought has been noted, but the stress the animals are under from the heat is now a serious concern.
The Global Agriculture website discusses the stability camels offer in the Horn of Africa, particularly during the 2023 drought, though recent reports show they are also suffering from the heat.
The heat is causing direct harm to the camels, leading to stress, fatigue, dehydration, and disease prevalence.
The higher temperatures also indirectly impact the camels by causing severe loss of water, vegetation, and reduced shaded areas. This, in turn, affects the livelihoods of the Afar people who depend on these animals for transportation, trade, and as a source of milk and meat.
In neighboring Somalia, the situation is particularly dire. Research has shown that drought-related camel mortality is a widespread crisis, affecting nearly 46% of camel-owning households.
In the Afar region, the mortality rate is even higher, with some areas reporting a staggering 73% mortality rate.
The increased temperatures are also affecting the veterinary services available to the camel herders. Hassan Nuya Guyo, a veterinary officer in Marsabit county in north-eastern Kenya, reported a 15% increase in camel deaths in his county over the last two years due to extreme heat. “We are seeing significant increases in cases of hyperthermia in camels as a result of which they get multiple infections, “Guyo.
The long — term implications of these events are significant.
The camel is not only a critical resource for the Afar people but also a symbol of their culture and heritage.
The decline in camel populations could lead to a loss of traditional knowledge and practices associated with camel husbandry.
As the climate continues to change, the question remains: What long-term solutions are being proposed to help camel herders cope with the extreme heat in the Afar region? How are climate change and rising temperatures affecting other livestock and wildlife in the region? Are there any international or local efforts to provide relief or support for camel herders affected by the heat stress?
As the desert’s resilience wanes, it is clear that immediate action is needed to protect these “ships of the desert “and the communities that depend on them.
*Additional reporting by ImNews | Sources consulted: 5*
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This original article was produced by the ImNews editorial team
Source: BBC Africa
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