MART-AZR Project Research Report 66: Camel Survey Results in Highland Balochistan

Abstract

Balochistan comprises less than 5 percent of the human population of Pakistan while the provincial share of camels is 36 percent (the highest amongst all provinces). Per capita camel availability is about 1 camel per 14 inhabitants. Agricultural economists and livestock specialists from AZRI conducted a descriptive, diagnostic and comparative survey on camel utilization for draft (field work) and transportation at the farm level in early 1989. An informal survey took place prior to the formal survey which comprised 136 questionnaires in three areas of highland Balochistan. Household profiles of the interviewed camel owners are included. The uses of camels, number of camels owned and land ownership are furnished by region and/or by camel age-group. Crop land farmed by traction types and farmers' preferences for these types of traction are analyzed by region. Detailed information was collected on camel demography, production and feeding constraints. Data on bullocks and tractors, the other major draft sources in highland Balochistan, is provided as well. Economic value of these means of traction is also included.