1Chimi Wangmo, 2Nima Norbu
1Center for Bhutan Studies, Thori Lam 11001, Lower Changangkha, Thimphu.
2District Livestock Services, Khatoed Gewog 14001, District Administration Gasa, Bhutan
DOI : https://doi.org/10.47191/ijmra/v7-i01-16Google Scholar Download Pdf
ABSTRACT:
Yaks, native to Bhutan and other Himalayan regions, play a crucial role in the livelihoods of highlanders, serving as a sources of milk products, meat, transportation, fiber, and even dung used as fuelwood for cooking. Concerned about the perceived decline in the country’s yak population, the Bhutan Yak Federation (BYF) was established in 2019 to support highlanders. Presently, the BYF consists of 268 males and 203 females, representing 1067 yak rearing households. Its primary objectives include advocating for policy and investment support and promoting yak farming as a vibrant and sustainable enterprise. To gain a deeper understating of BYF’s roles and functions, this study focused on the Lingshi and Sephu yak cooperatives under the Thimphu and Wangduephodrang districts, conducting phone interviews with 40 cooperative members. The study revealed that highlanders primarily generate income through the sale of cordyceps, followed by yak products, portering services, and medicinal plants collection. However, the income from yak product sales is only sufficient to cover the cost of feed resources for the yaks. Lack of adequate feed resources, especially during winter (n =40), and wildlife predation without compensation were identified as significant challenges faced by the herders. On average, each family loses 7 to 8 yaks annually due to wildlife predation, with additional issues of depredation by feral dogs and gid diseases in the Lingshi block. The BYF is an innovative initiative of the Department of Livestock, Ministry of Agriculture, and Forests, aimed at empowering herder communities to shape their future. Recognizing that herders nationwide face similar drivers of change, including socio-economic factors and the impacts of climate change, the BYF emphasizes the need for collective and united action among yak herders and various stakeholders involved in highland research and development. Currently, BYF is in the process of preparing a five-year strategy that will provide valuable guidance and direction for multi-sector engagement and partnerships, intending to revive and sustain the diminishing yak farming practice in Bhutan.
KEYWORDS:cooperative, farmers, federation, highland, yak
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Volume 07 Issue 01 January 2024
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