MRS

ABSTRACT The study is to investigate the spatial distribution of camel populations in Northern Borno State and evaluate their socio-economic importance to the local population. The specific objectives used for the study were: To map the spatial distribution of camel populations across Northern Borno State, To examine the environmental, socio-economic, and cultural factors influencing camel distribution in the study area, To identify and analyze the key challenges affecting camel rearing in Northern Borno State and To identify the socio-economic importance of camel to the local economics of Borno State. The specific objectives used for the study were; The sources of data used for this study was obtained from both primary and secondary sources. The primary data was collected through the use of structured questionnaires administered to the farmers and through oral interviews. The populations used for this study Were comprises camel herders, livestock traders, pastoral households keeping camels; camel traders operating in local markets, veterinary and livestock extension officers; and community leaders knowledgeable about camel husbandry and migration routes residing in the northern part of Borno State, Nigeria. the study will adopt a representative sample to ensure comprehensive coverage. Assuming an estimated population of 1,900 camel herders and traders across the seven LGAs. Multi stage random procedure was used to select the samples. Multi stage sampling techniques was used in the selection of wards and villages. The analytical tools used for this study, includes descriptive statistics such frequency distribution and percentages. The result of the finding indicates that majority of respondents (66.5%) indicated that camel populations are heavily concentrated in the northernmost local government areas particularly Abadam, Kukawa, and Mobbar.. Furthermore, 68.9% of respondents noted an increase in camel numbers over the past five years, suggesting that both environmental conditions and socio-economic incentives have become increasingly favourable for camel rearing. The study recommended that; Government should improve security in camel-dominant LGAs and establish community-based systems to ensure safe transhumance and protect grazing corridors and also Local Governments should develop water sources along transhumance routes and implement rangeland restoration to improve pasture availability and reduce forced migration.