Transhumant pastoralism in Indian western Himalaya: traditional ecological knowledge and contemporary practices

Abstract

ABSTRACT Transhumant pastoralism guided by traditional ecological knowledge (TEK) helps people in adapting to extreme biophysical conditions and remoteness in the high-altitude region of the western Himalaya. However, the age-old practice is currently under threat due to changes in socioeconomic, policy and environmental conditions, which may lead to erosion of pastoralism-related TEK. This study was undertaken to document traditional knowledge concerning transhumant pastoralism of the Kinnaura community in three high-altitude villages, namely Chhitkul, Rakchham and Batseri in the Kinnaur district of Himachal Pradesh, India, using semi-structured interviews and participant observation methods. A total of 38 key informants were interviewed to elicit information about the contemporary practices and TEK related to transhumant pastoralism. The study found that the transhumant pastoralism is not only intricately linked to sociocultural life but also contribute significantly to the livelihood of Kinnaura community and hired herders. Findings revealed that the pastoralists are the repository of vast knowledge on various aspects of sheep- and goat-based transhumance, viz. herd composition and management, grazing and supplementary feeding and ethnoveterinary practices. It is concluded that the study would help policy decisions for the preservation and protection of transhumant pastoralism-related TEK of the indigenous Kinnaura pastoralists. Further, considering the nexus between TEK and ecosystem services, this study would also contribute in well-being of the human society and resilience of the similar social-ecological systems.