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

Authors: Habiba Al-Mughairi; Bader Al-Hajri; Amur Al-Rashdi; Mubarak Al-Masalmi; Azzah Al-Maskari

Addresses: University of Technical and Applied Sciences, Ibra, Sultanate of Oman ' University of Technical and Applied Sciences, Ibra, Sultanate of Oman ' Ministry of Labuor-General Directorate of Manpower in South Al-Sharqiah Governorate, Sultanate of Oman ' University of Technical and Applied Sciences, Ibra, Sultanate of Oman ' University of Technical and Applied Sciences, Ibra, Sultanate of 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.

Keywords: social welfare; camel farming; livestock; food security; Oman.

DOI: 10.1504/IJSSOC.2024.136257

International Journal of Sustainable Society, 2024 Vol.16 No.1, pp.34 - 52

Received: 12 Dec 2021
Received in revised form: 22 Aug 2022
Accepted: 27 Oct 2022
Published online: 25 Jan 2024 *

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