Livestock Complements Livelihoods of Highway Builders in Bhutan

Abstract

ABSTRACTA questionnaire survey was conducted with the objective to understand the off-road activities of roadworkers in Bhutan and their preferences for activities, including their aspirations for the future. Seven administrative districts were selected to represent different regions of Bhutan, where roadworkers reside in large numbers. The districts were Chukha and Wangdue in the western region; Sarpang, Zhemgang, and Trongsa in the central region; and Mongar and Samdrup Jongkhar in the eastern region. A questionnaire survey was administered through face-to-face interviews. Sixty roadworkers were selected through random sampling. Over 80% of respondents were in the age group of 26–54 years old, and the majority were women. Roadwork was the most preferred source of income, followed by livestock raising and house construction. About three-quarters of respondents raised livestock and over a quarter did not. Livestock species raised were goats, poultry birds, cattle, and pigs. Those who also raised combined two or more species of livestock. Roadworkers preferred goats and poultry over other livestock species. A majority of respondents were in favor of livestock species that were easy to manage with less demand on feed and forage. The common source of livestock inputs was local communities, and only a few roadworkers sourced inputs from government agencies. Most respondents expressed their interest to take up farming in the future, with a greater interest toward becoming livestock farmers. Respondents mentioned livestock inputs as the much-needed support from the government. Respondents also anticipated farm credit support for purchasing inputs. They expected the government to support them with land, which is a basic necessity for agriculture.