Morocco’s biggest camel market, the Amhayrich souk in Guelmim, is facing severe strain as a decade long drought destroys grazing land and drives up the cost of keeping animals, according to interviews by French broadcaster RFI.
The market, which spans 10,000 square metres and is known across Africa as a year round hub for camel trading, is seeing herd numbers fall as pastureland disappears. “People come from all over Morocco. You can find camels here every day of the year,” Mohammed, a 33 year old breeder, told RFI. “But the drought has changed everything.”
Rising feed costs and shrinking supply have pushed prices sharply higher, traders say. “There has been a huge increase in prices, especially for male camels,” said Mouloud, 39, a merchant at the souk. “We have to keep feeding them even when there is no pasture. Costs have exploded.”
Labour shortages are adding pressure. Camel herders now demand between 300 and 400 euros a month, and Moroccan workers rarely stay more than a few weeks, Mouloud said. Many breeders have turned to Mauritanian herders, who remain longer in the harsh conditions.
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