©FAO/ Faranak Bakhtiari
The revival of Bactrian camels has invigorated livelihoods in Iran. This revival of this specific Iranian camelid species has taken place in Ardabil city, a bustling capital surrounded by the Moghan plain. A symbol of Ardabil’s cultural heritage, these camels were facing the threat of extinction due to changing land use and the high cost and scarcity of fodder.
“Our ancestors cared for the Bactrian camels for generations, motivated not by profit, but by a deep passion for these magnificent animals,” reflects Ashkan Dadjoo, a 28-year-old camel producer. “But sustaining them became increasingly challenging as our pastures shrank, making way for farmlands.”
As the Bactrian camels roam once again in the lush and fertile lands in the northwestern region of the country, their revival in the Moghan plain not only preserves an important cultural heritage but also prompts growth in livelihoods. This also promotes sustainable production of camelid products for the future.
Recognizing the livelihood and economic potential of these animals, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) with the local Ministry of Agriculture – Jahad, embarked on a transformation of the camelid sector to tap into activities such as agritourism, livestock feed production, wool and milk processing.
FAO’s project centred on the conservation of Bactrian camels and equip local communities with knowledge on sustainable camel production practices as well as on harnessing the potential of camelid products.
The health and conservation of the Bactrians were first and foremost for the project.
To ensure this species’ continued existence, FAO assisted in establishing the Bactrian Camel Owner Cooperative where camel herders receive proper training, equipment and tools to care for their animals. For example, FAO provided feeding equipment such as a mill mixer and silage bagger, which allowed herders to produce enough feed for their own herd and to earn income from selling supplementary feed. The initiative was vital in ensuring that the camels received sufficient nutrition, essential for their health and long-term productivity.
Additionally, FAO supplied small-scale herders with nutritional supplements, vaccines and medicines to help improve the well-being of their camels. A study tour to Dubai on camel breeding and advanced reproductive techniques gave camel herders valuable insight into embryo freezing and artificial insemination.
The project also provided herders with the knowledge and capacity to capitalize on agritourism opportunities. An agritourism expert and a facilitator who worked closely with local nomads were brought in to teach herders ways to attract tourists interested in traditional camel herding and the cultural heritage of Ardabil. Their guidance on marketing these experiences not only focused on economic benefits but also on the importance of preserving the cultural and environmental significance of the camels.
Moreover, incorporating technology into camel production practices boosted conservation efforts for this unique species. The introduction of the Sareban Yar application, which records the overall health performance of the camels, was customised to include the Bactrian species and thus enabled camel producers to efficiently manage their herds. Microchips were also introduced to identify the camels, helping the government to keep track of the population and further strategic conservation efforts.
“FAO entered the scene when Bactrian camels were on the verge of extinction and made us realize that with unity, we can pave the way toward preventing extinction while generating income,” says Mohammad Shahandeh, a camel producer and participant in the project training.
Reviving skills
Central to the transformation of Ardabil’s camelid sector were the women of the community, whose traditional weaving skills were also revitalised and enhanced with new technology.
FAO’s initiative provided training and workshops for wool processing. With new equipment such as manual yarn spinning wheels and fabric weaving machines, women can produce higher-quality fabric more quickly than in the past.
The project started with the delivery of camel wool to South Khorasan Province where it was distributed to various workshops for processing. The women spin the processed wool to obtain high-quality yarn which is then used to create assorted wool products such as fabric and socks.
With the market value of processed yarn exceeding the value of raw wool, these processing workshops created a space for the women to utilize their traditional skills, enhancing their livelihood opportunities and empowering them to make economic decisions for themselves.
Source: The FAO News and Media Office, Rome
