TheImprovement ofTropical and Subtropical Rangelands

272 IMPROVEMENT OF TROPIOAL AND SUBTROPIOAL RANGELANDS
It is likely that the development ofcamel breeding will be similar
to that concerned with commercialization of the cattle industry. As
indicated above, camel reproduction under open range conditions is
a difficult and labor-consuming process that may require intensive
engagement of individual caretakers rather than cheap handling of
camels en mu,e. A stratified system producing young animals for
the beef market is also reminiscent of the common division between
specialized camel-breeding groups and the far larger population who
use camels. A major difficulty with improving the camel industry 110
as to benefit the nomads is to safeguard institutional forms that can
maintain control of the fattening prace.. It must be borne in mind
that camel nomads have for centuries been producing for a market.
What will be the economic and ecological consequences of a meat
market that withdraws stock from the market for loaders and work
animals?
We should make clear that we are not advocating any attitude of
paternalistic protectionism. That cultures are ancient or traditional
is not alone a valid reason to maintain them unchanged, especially if
the bearers of these cultures find a better way of life. But those who
have the power to intervene in the systems of sustenance of others
must remember to make a fair evaluation of the actual number of
people employed and supported by the traditional system and the
availability of other similarly efficient sources of subsistence. There
is indeed need for more research on camels, and it is important that
such research be geared to decreasing the risks to which pastoralists
80 far have been subject, rather than to promoting commercialization
as a goal in itself. Much harm has already been done to those who
care for camels, owing to the failure to acknowledge that they have
animals with specific needs, separate from those of cattle, and that
special provisions must be made for them when, for example, irrigation
schemes and cattle development projects are planned. Modern
science can also provide solutions to some of the disease problems
that have hampered camel reproduction and health in the past; it
can permit the camel economy to sustain and enlarge the population.
REFERENCES
And, T. 1970. The KahG6Uh Arab,: POtIJcr, Authority lind ConIcnt in II No'fl'&tJdic
Th6c. C. Hurst & Co. Ltd., London, Englr.nd.