STRENGTHENING THE RESILIENCE OF TRANSHUMANT YAK PRODUCTION SYSTEM IN BHUTAN: A REVIEW

Abstract

Transhumant system of yak (Bos grunniens) farming plays a vital role in the livelihood of highland communities in Bhutan. Presence of yak-based transhumant systems in high altitude areas utilizes available natural resources in the area. Besides, the yak farming communities have a unique culture. However, an increasing number of households are said to leave yak farming. Therefore, this review was carried out to explore reasons for the decline and possible options for strengthening its resilience. The yak farming is under pressure from external factors such as socio-economic developments, policies and climatic conditions affecting forage and labour availability for herding yaks. Forage shortage for yaks is caused mainly due to overgrazing and grazing competition with other livestock species and wild ruminants. The other reasons for forage shortage are due to restriction on burning of shrubs around rangelands resulting to grazing land invasion by non-forage plant species. Labour shortages are caused due to increased access to alternative economic activities and modern education. Household members are increasingly involved in Cordyceps harvesting, tourism and other economic activities. Forage shortage and conservation policies had seemingly resulted in increased yak mortality due to accidents and wild predators. Therefore, to strengthen the resilience capacities of the system in regard to forage and labour availability, several options are possible. The options range from education and governmental policies for land management and development of infrastructures to better grazing management, including the reduction of yak herd size.