Value-added camel milk products for food security in arid and semi-arid areas
Details of the Project
HIGHLIGHTS OF THE PROJECT
Led by Prof. Joshua Arimi, from Meru University of Science and Technology (MUST), the “Development of Value-Added Camel Milk Products” project is a vital initiative addressing food security and economic empowerment in Kenya’s arid and semi-arid regions. Funded with KES 19,049,400 since 2018/2019, this ongoing project leverages the resilient and nutritious camel milk, a resource often underutilized in these communities.
The project not only focuses on improving camel milk production but also innovates by creating diverse value-added products, from yogurt, cheese, and freeze-dried milk to cosmetic creams. These innovations are designed to foster new livelihood opportunities, especially for women’s groups.
Gestation period :12-14 months
Cost for one female camel: kes100000
Key Achievements
Product Development: Successfully created a range of camel milk products, including dairy items (yogurt, cheese, butter, sweets, freeze-dried milk) and cosmetics. Freeze-drying technology significantly extends shelf-life, crucial for remote areas.
Scientific Impact: Generated 4 peer-reviewed publications and filed 2 patents related to processing and formulations. An international virtual workshop in 2021 connected global and local food sector stakeholders.
Human Capital Development: Supported 4 PhDs and several MSc students in relevant fields, actively engaging them in research and community outreach.
Community Empowerment: Partnered with the Tawakal Women’s Group in Isiolo, training women as “Trainers of Trainers” in milk hygiene, preservation, and marketing, amplifying impact across the community.
Camel Milk Value Chain
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Pasturized Milk
Pasteurized milk is milk that has undergone a heat treatment process called pasteurization to kill harmful bacteria, primarily to make it safe for consumption and extend its shelf life. While some minor nutritional changes may occur, the essential nutrients are largely preserved.
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Low Fat Content Milk
Low-fat milk is a dairy product from which a significant portion of the fat has been removed from whole milk. It's a popular choice for those looking to reduce their fat and calorie intake while still benefiting from milk's essential nutrients.
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Powdered milk
Powdered camel milk is a convenient and shelf-stable form of camel milk, made by dehydrating fresh camel milk while aiming to preserve its unique nutritional and therapeutic properties. It's gaining popularity globally, offering the benefits of camel milk in a format that's easier to transport, store, and consume.
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yoghurt
Camel milk yogurt is a fermented dairy product made from camel milk, similar to how traditional yogurt is made from cow's milk. However, due to the unique composition of camel milk, producing yogurt from it presents some challenges and results in a product with distinct characteristics and benefits.
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Butter
More commonly camel ghee, is a clarified butter product made from camel milk. Its production presents unique challenges due to the specific composition of camel milk fat, but it offers a distinct nutritional profile and potential health benefits.
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Cosmetics Products
cosmetics products from camel Camel-derived ingredients, primarily camel milk and to a lesser extent camel fat (hump fat), are increasingly being used in cosmetic products due to their unique composition and purported benefits for skin and hair.,
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Body Cream,Body Lotion,soap,shampoo,lip balm
Camel products are gaining traction in the cosmetics industry, primarily utilizing camel milk for its rich nutrient profile and camel fat (hump fat) for its emollient properties.

