Laayoune Hosts Groundbreaking Conference on Camelid Innovation

The inaugural International Conference on Camelids kicked off in Laayoune, Morocco, bringing together local breeders, international experts, and scientists to explore cutting-edge developments in camelid management. This three-day event, running from October 14 to 16, aligns with the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization's designation of 2024 as the International Year of Camelids.

Co-organized by the African Sustainable Agricultural Research Institute (ASARI) and the Phosboucraa Foundation, the conference aims to bridge the gap between scientific research and practical application in camelid breeding. Lamfeddal Kouisni, lead project manager of the UM6P campus in Laayoune and director of ASARI, emphasized the conference's dual focus on local needs and scientific expertise.

"We try to have a set of researchers and experts from different horizons, different expertise," Kouisni stated. "Many countries were represented in this conference, including South America, even though they don't have the same type of environmental conditions. But we believe that we can learn from their experiences and build on them to innovate and develop solutions for our breeders and cooperatives."

The conference structure facilitates meaningful exchanges between local players and international experts. The morning session provided a platform for local breeders, cooperatives, and representatives from the Ministry of Agriculture to discuss the current state of the camelid sector in southern Morocco. The afternoon session featured discussions with scientists, fostering a comprehensive approach to addressing challenges in the industry.

Lulu Skidmore, scientific director of the Camel Reproduction Centre in Dubai, highlighted the importance of practical research applications tailored to local conditions. "It's very important that the things we can do in Dubai, with our well-equipped lab, can be brought to the people here where there are fewer facilities," she remarked. Skidmore emphasized the need for foundational approaches to camel care, focusing on basic health, nutrition, and disease prevention before advancing to more complex interventions like embryo transfer and artificial insemination.

The conference also addressed sustainable practices and the socio-economic impact of camelids, crucial for improving breeding techniques and industrializing camel products. Speakers, including Professor Mohamed Hammadi from Tunisia's Institute of Arid Regions and Abderrahman Elamiri, regional director of agriculture in Laayoune-Sakia El Hamra, discussed these vital issues.

Kouisni outlined the major challenges facing the sector: "The major challenge for the sector is to improve breeding techniques and advance the industrialization of camel products to optimize production, accelerate export, and develop the local and regional economy."

The event highlighted the unique importance of camelids, particularly dromedaries, in sustaining livelihoods in inhospitable ecosystems. In Morocco's southern regions, dromedary farming plays a crucial role in the local economy, supporting vulnerable families and contributing significantly to agricultural activity.

As the conference progresses, participants remain optimistic about the potential for improved camelid productivity and the enhancement of livelihoods dependent on these remarkable animals. Through panels, practical workshops, and networking sessions, the event seeks to foster international collaborations and address current challenges in the camel industry.

The insights gained and connections made during this groundbreaking conference are expected to pave the way for innovative solutions that benefit both the camel industry and the communities it supports, marking a significant step forward in sustainable agricultural practices and international cooperation.