Camel Milk: Zambia’s Untapped Goldmine? Farmer Sees Lucrative Future in Niche Market

A quiet revolution is brewing in Zambia’s agricultural sector, with camel milk emerging as a surprisingly lucrative commodity. Omar Farms, a pioneering venture, is tapping into this niche market, revealing the potential for substantial returns, even as challenges persist.

Omar Hussan Fada, Director of Omar Farms, speaking exclusively to the Zambian Business Times, revealed that camel milk currently commands a premium price of K200 per litre. While production costs remain a hurdle due to the lower yields compared to cows, the demand is steadily growing, particularly within the Somali and Kenyan communities.

“It’s primarily in Zambia where camels haven’t been traditionally prevalent,” Fada explained. “But in countries like Kenya, Ethiopia, and Somalia, camel milk is a staple, often preferred over cow milk.”

The stark contrast in milk production is a significant factor. While a cow can produce 30-40 litres daily, a camel yields only 4-5 litres. This, coupled with the high cost of maintenance, contributes to the premium pricing. However, camels’ resilience in harsh conditions makes them relatively easy to care for.

Despite these challenges, Omar Farms, with its 30-strong camel herd and expansion plans, is experiencing rapid sales. The daily production of 40 litres is consistently sold out in advance, highlighting the growing demand.

Fada projects a remarkable average monthly income of K15,000 per camel, translating to a potential monthly income of K450,000 and a staggering K5.4 million annually. This makes camel farming an enticing prospect for farmers seeking to diversify their operations.

“We need more farmers to enter this market,” Fada stated, expressing his desire for increased competition to drive down costs and make camel milk more accessible.

In addition to milk production, Omar Farms also ventures into camel meat, which is sold at K600 per kilogram. This further diversifies the farm’s revenue streams and demonstrates the versatility of camel farming.

The emergence of camel milk in Zambia presents a unique opportunity for entrepreneurs and farmers alike. As demand continues to rise, this niche market could potentially transform into a significant contributor to the country’s agricultural economy.