Farmer's Weekly (South Africa)
A special year for the alpacas!
The United Nations has dedicated the year 2024 to camelids, highlighting their role in agriculture, writes Jyothi Laldas.
The United Nations has officially designated the year 2024 as the International Year of Camelids. According to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), the global initiative aims to bring attention to the vital role camelids play in the livelihoods of millions of households, particularly in challenging environments across more than 90 countries, with a specific focus on indigenous people and local communities.
This designation by the FAO underscores the importance of camelids on a global scale, emphasising their multifaceted roles in different communities.
Camelids, known as alpacas in South Africa, Bactrian camels, dromedaries, guanacos, llamas, and vicuñas are recognised for their significant contributions to food security, nutrition and economic growth.
In South Africa, alpacas have gained official recognition as a registered breed, supported by the South African Alpaca Breeders’ Society.
They are farmed for their luxurious fibre, serving various purposes such as the crafting of wool, felt, duvets, and fashion garments.
Beyond their economic uses, alpacas in South Africa are valued as breeding stock, pets, and highly effective guardians for sheep flocks.
Speaking to Farmer’s Weekly, South African Alpaca Breeders’ Society (SAABS) president Alison Notley said the society was celebrating the declaration of 2024 as the year of the camelid, as it gave extra exposure to the camelid industry in South Africa.
The declaration by the United Nations coincided with SAABS bringing in an alpaca veterinary authority to
South Africa this year from the UK to talk to breeders and run two alpaca health conferences (one in Gauteng and one in the Western Cape).
The alpaca was introduced to South Africa in 2003, and the national herd had since then grown considerably.
Notley said while awareness of camelids had grown since the early days of alpacas in South Africa, the greater the awareness of camelids, the better for the industry.
FINEST FLEECE
“[Alpaca] fleece, for instance, is rated one of the finest animal fibres on the planet.
“Garments made from alpacas are non-allergenic, have an extremely high comfort factor, are exceptionally fine and are five times stronger than sheep’s wool.”
In addition, there were 22 natural colours and shades of alpaca fibre, making it the most colour-diversified fibre-bearing animal in the world.
“It is also one of the most ecofriendly animals. Alpacas are small drinkers, are drought-tolerant, and also have the ability to extract the best nutrition from poor grazing.
“The breeding of alpacas in South Africa has assisted in creating local employment since many breeders process their alpaca fibre, cottageindustry style,” Notley said.
She added: “With the preference to move away from clothes made in the Far East [that contain] a very high percentage of man-made fibre (and sometimes manufactured under less than acceptable conditions), alpaca is popular because of the way it is sustainably farmed, and ethically produced.
“The people of South America are to be commended for the harsh conditions under which they live and farm alpacas.”
Internationally, camelids play a crucial role in advancing the Sustainable Development Goals, according to the FAO.
Their contributions are diverse, encompassing the fight against hunger, the eradication of extreme poverty, the empowerment of women, and the sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems.
From providing essential resources such as milk, meat, and fibre to serving as a means of transport and suppliers of organic fertiliser, camelids thrive in environments where other livestock species may struggle to survive.
The International Year of Camelids 2024 is designed to raise awareness of their untapped potential and advocate for increased investment in this sector.
The initiative aims to stimulate research, promote capacity development, and encourage the adoption of innovative practices and technologies within the camelid industry.