The Effects of Foot and Mouth Disease in Yak and Cattle herds of Rasuwa District due to Climate Change

Deepak Dorje Tamang

doi:10.31579/2766-2314/051

Abstract

In the era of Climate Change, the paper spotlights the importance of managing the high-altitude range land management in Nepal’s northern Rasuwa district bordering the Tibetan plateau. It points to the important fact that policies and strategies need to be inclusive and intersectional with gender equality and social inclusion (GESI) as a vital principle of good governance. Such policies, inclusive governance and support to vulnerable transhumance herders will enhance adequate grass and fodder for yak, chauri, sheep and cattle and at the same time provide veterinary support leading to improved livelihoods for the entire communities. Yak herding is carried out by Tamang transhumance community and in the age of climate change; pasture management together with extension support from local government, is critical to provide additional income to the local communities. The paper examines risk factor, i.e., foot and mouth disease (FMD) and vital nutrient requirements in terms of good quality grass fodder. It also examines the role of customary headman called the “Chogo” who collectively with his “local counsel” facilitate, wise use of the region’s natural resources, i.e., water, irrigation, forest, agriculture and above all pasture land and mediates local conflicts.

Highlights

Socio-culturally constructed gender roles and responsibilities shape women and men’s differential access, ownership and control over resources and influence their capacities and capabilities to adapt to climate change (Skinner, 2011)
Climate change adaptation and mitigation policies, climate governance and practices in the highland Himalayan communities and regions are greatly under-researched. This leads to inadequate understanding of climatic and non-climatic drivers of change in the region including better understanding of gender roles and relations at the household and community level when it comes to coping strategies
In order to contribute to filling these gaps in knowledge, and to understand gender and social vulnerabilities in climate change context; a number of key questions related to livelihood challenges and inclusion are important in the context of climate change and transhumance herders of northern Rasuwa

Summary

Introduction

Socio-culturally constructed gender roles and responsibilities shape women and men’s differential access, ownership and control over resources and influence their capacities and capabilities to adapt to climate change (Skinner, 2011). In order to contribute to filling these gaps in knowledge, and to understand gender and social vulnerabilities in climate change context; a number of key questions related to livelihood challenges and inclusion are important in the context of climate change and transhumance herders of northern Rasuwa. These are market forces, consumerism, urbanization, globalization, infrastructure development and technological intervention in a place and time This is further related to internal geopolitical and socio-economic factors of social structure, gender structure, geography, political economy and decision making processes and institutions. They combine to alter or influence the livelihood options of women and men, determining the capability to respond to risk posed by climatic and socioeconomic stressors. They fall under Ama Chidingmo (Parvati Kunda) rural municipality

Participants

Conclusion