The Future of Yak Farming from the Perspective of Yak Herders and Livestock Professionals

Dorji, Nedup; Derks, Marjolein; Koerkamp, P.W.G. Groot; Bokkers, E.A.M.

doi:10.3390/su12104217

Cited by 14 publications

(28 citation statements)

References 39 publications

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“…In 2021, about one-third of the herder's household population were students who were either studying at village or cities. Hence, modern education not only has created a new opportunity for livelihood to the youth, but it has appeared as a driver to detach youth from traditional occupation especially herding (Bishop, 1998;Dorji et al, 2020;. Thus, they have only one option to choose from, i.e., either send their children to school for education or to keep their children with them at goth for caring livestock.…”

Section: Changing the Pastoralism In Pgrmentioning

confidence: 99%

Moving Yak Herds towards Tourism: A Linkage between Yak and Eco- Tourism in the High Mountains of East on Nepal

Poudel¹,

Paudyal²,

Shiwakoti³

et al. 2022

J. Tourism Himalayan Adventures

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This paper is study about the intersection between yak herding and tourism. The main focus is on how the concepts of yak festival and gothstay are transforming the conventional notion of animal husbandry, in particular yak herding, in the eastern high mountain region of Nepal. It is based on ethnographic study among the yak and urang herders in the region. Triangulation methods i.e., observation, interview, household survey and GIS were used. The yak festival and the concept of gothstay are giving new meaning, value and symbol – something different from the customary usage – to yak and yak herding. The concept of yak-tourism is not only a connection of yak and yak herding with tourism, but also gendering of the yak through language, image and form in public spaces. Thus, the rational, instrumental and conventional way of describing of yak is not sufficient in the context of livestock tourism. Moreover, the concept of gothstay is transforming the traditional notion of goth; i.e., from herders’ place to touristic site for learning about Himalayan pastoral culture and lifestyle. It would be a potential alternative of livelihood source for the Himalayan herders who have very limited options for making a living.

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Section: Changing the Pastoralism In Pgrmentioning

confidence: 99%

Moving Yak Herds towards Tourism: A Linkage between Yak and Eco- Tourism in the High Mountains of East on Nepal

Poudel¹,

Paudyal²,

Shiwakoti³

et al. 2022

J. Tourism Himalayan Adventures

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“…2). In addition, findings from [16] found out that most of the young and adult family members prefer to be engaged in other activities than yak farming, such as collecting the mushroom cordyceps (Cordyceps sinensis) and medicinal plants, which gives them a relatively high economic return. Majority of the income earned was spent on children's education (n=13); spent on pilgrimage (n=7) and buying animals feed (n=6) respectively.…”

Section: Sources Of Income and Its Expenditurementioning

confidence: 99%

Tsamdro (Rangeland) as a Source of Livelihood to the People of Bhutan

Samdrup

Yangzom²

2021

SAJSSE

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Tsamdro plays an essential role in providing resources for the survival of yaks, cattles and horses as these animals provide continuous support to herders in Naro, Merak and Logchina gewogs. There has been numerous change in land tenure system of ownership in tsamdro since 1960s of the ownership of tsamdro. However, in Land Act 2007; it was stated that tsamdro will be nationalized and policy will be implemented by 2017, yet the policy has not been implemented and herders still use the tsamdro as used earlier, where the owners had to obtain written permits from the Dzongkhag authorities to graze one’s livestock on one’s own grazing land by paying an annual grazing permit fee. This study aimed at determining whether tsamdro is a source of livelihood for the herders in Naro, Merak and Logchina gewogs. It was carried out in Naro, Logchina and Merak subdistricts (gewogs) of Bhutan. It employed a quantitative method by distributing questionnaire survey. Data was collected through semi-structured interviews and the data was collected from a convenience sampling method of (N=75) herders through moderation analysis. The moderation analysis showed that tsamdro is a source of livelihood (land asset 571.526*** and livestock 37.670***) to herders. Further research is limited to study area and findings are likely to hold good for similar area only. Further research to find other sources of livelihood and their socio-economic impact on herders is recommended.

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“…Although most respondents were undecided on producing more yak products, the festival has encouraged herders to produce more quantities of these products for RHF. The yak products fetch good income and encourage herders to increase their herd sizes (Dorji et al 2020). Since the selling of yak products was the largest earner in RHF, the respondents wish to diversify products along with handicrafts.…”

Section: Social Effects Of Rhfmentioning

confidence: 99%

Setting the mountain ablaze? The Royal Highland Festival in Bhutan from the semi-nomads’ perspective

2021

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A study was conducted to assess the effects of the Royal Highland Festival (RHF) from the perspective of yak herders in Laya, Bhutan. Sixty-six respondents were randomly selected from amongst the domicile herders who were regular visitors to the festival. A survey was carried out through a questionnaire with mixed questions. Herders’ opinions suggest good progress of RHF as reflected by improved community vitality and networking with stakeholders. Tourists, both international and domestic, were the major contributors to the income of yak herders during the festival. Livestock products were the biggest income earner, followed by homestays. Herders were encouraged to produce more quantities of livestock products and desired to diversify yak products. Animal shows were adequate and encouraged breed improvement. The grazing resources and the environment were unharmed by the presence of animals in the festival. However, yak herders expressed concerns over the lack of skills and knowledge for yak product diversification and management of festival waste. Herders felt the need to shift the festival venue to benefit highlanders in other areas of Bhutan. The study recommends authorities to consider imparting skills to Laya communities on developing diverse and value-added yak products. Homestay owners require more capacity to manage and maintain farmhouses with proper sanitation. Effective management of festival wastes calls for a farsighted plan. Finally, to inculcate a sense of pride and ownership, the communities of Laya must be empowered to self-organize the festival, while government authorities should consider shifting the festival venue to other highland areas.

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The Future of Yak Farming from the Perspective of Yak Herders and Livestock Professionals

Cited by 14 publications

References 39 publications

Moving Yak Herds towards Tourism: A Linkage between Yak and Eco- Tourism in the High Mountains of East on Nepal

Moving Yak Herds towards Tourism: A Linkage between Yak and Eco- Tourism in the High Mountains of East on Nepal

Tsamdro (Rangeland) as a Source of Livelihood to the People of Bhutan

Setting the mountain ablaze? The Royal Highland Festival in Bhutan from the semi-nomads’ perspective

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