Dynamics of the camel milk supply chain in Niger: Opportunities and challenges for sustainable development

Abstract

This study examines the evolving dynamics of the camel milk supply chain in the Tahoua basin. A total of 137 key stakeholders including 88 breeders, 28 collectors, and 21 sales points were surveyed. Between 2011 and 2024, the number of collectors increased from 1 to 56, and the number of sales points grew from 1 to 32, indicating a gradual structuring of the supply chain. This growth contributed to an increase in daily camel milk deliveries to the city, from 85 liters in 2011 to 793 liters in 2024. However, this expansion of supply remains insufficient to meet the growing urban demand, with no impact on the consumer price, which has remained stable at 1,000 FCFA per liter (1.5 Euros) since 2013. Price fluctuations are mainly observed between producers and collectors. The supply chain is heavily reliant on oral contracts and trust, supported by familial and ethnic relationships. In response to various technical, organizational, and logistical challenges, stakeholders have implemented adaptive strategies that ensure the resilience of the system and the sustainable supply of camel milk to the city.

Keywords: Organization, camel milk collection, price, strategy, contractualization, coordination