Camel milk: White gold and its contribution to the sustainable development goals—A review

Abstract

Camel milk plays a multifaceted and significant role in contributing to sustainable development goals (SDGs). This review aims to explore its impact on SDG 1 (No Poverty), SDG 2 (Zero Hunger), SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being), SDG 5 (Gender Equality), SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production), and SDG 13 (Climate Action). Camel milk alleviates poverty by providing crucial income and job opportunities for pastoral communities where alternative livelihoods are limited. Its rich nutritional value enhances food security, particularly in regions suffering from hunger and low agricultural productivity. Furthermore, its nutritional and medicinal properties contribute to public health and well-being, particularly in communities affected by food insecurity. The expanding camel milk industry promotes decent work and economic growth by fostering market diversification and growth while empowering women by creating economic opportunities within local communities. Camel milk production aligns with sustainable consumption and production patterns by requiring fewer resources and minimizing waste, and it strengthens resilience to climate change in vulnerable regions. Despite its potential, the camel milk industry faces hurdles such as high production costs, inadequate infrastructure, and limited market access. This article emphasizes the need for targeted efforts to overcome these challenges and highlights the potential of camel milk as a key driver of sustainable development in some of the world's most fragile regions and its contributions to sustainable development and improving the livelihoods of vulnerable communities worldwide. This article emphasizes the need for targeted efforts to overcome these challenges and highlights the potential of camel milk as a key driver of sustainable development in improving the livelihoods, especially of vulnerable communities across the world's most fragile regions.