Typology of dairy camel farms in the Ouargla region

Abstract This study aims to characterize camel production systems in the Ouargla region, located in the northern part of the Algerian Sahara. Data were collected from 70 camel farmers using questionnaires. We studied the socioeconomic status of breeders; as well as herd structure and composition, breeding management, and dromedary products and income. Subsequently, a typology was established using multiple correspondence factorial analysis (MCA) and hierarchical ascendant classification (HAC), which identified four groups of farmers. The First group comprises 11 fattener breeders with low educational levels, having large or medium-sized meat herds with high commercial objectives. The second Group includes phoeniculture-camel farms that consist of 22 camel milk producers, 7 of whom were regular milk sellers. The third Group consists of 5 multi-active farmers; with a large market of young camels (for meat), hair, and milk. Fourth group is composed of 32 agro-breeders and public servants who maintain small herds with low commercial management.