The moral economy behind the commoditisation of camel milk in northern Kenya

Tahira Shariff Mohamed and Michele Nori

Journal of Eastern African Studies, 2024, vol. 18, issue 4, 534-555

Abstract: The camel plays a strategic role in reconfiguring livelihoods in northern Kenya drylands. The rapid evolution of camel milk marketing (CMM) hinges on growing urban demand, physical infrastructure development and local pastoralists’ need to diversify their economies. CMM is made possible by growingly complex networks, relationships and contracts being weaved locally. Women cooperatives are at the centre of intricate relationships, socially regulated arrangements and technical practices that enable the daily flow of fresh raw camel milk from the northern Kenya drylands to busy terminal markets in Nairobi. After analysing the growing relevance of the camel economy in the region, we explore the evolutions of camel milk production and marketing in the Isiolo-centred channels. The moral economy informs our perspective and draws from other perspectives addressing dryland societies’ social and cultural transformations. We used mixed methods, integrating datasets of existing CMM enterprises with qualitative data collected during fieldwork. By examining how CMM networks are cast within the local social, cultural and political setting, we show how diverse networks strengthen rural-urban connections and support the livelihoods of marginal groups.

Date: 2024
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DOI: 10.1080/17531055.2024.2512641

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