Technologies

Daily and seasonal rotation on grassland [Tajikistan]

Creation: 03/07/2011 6:59 p.m.
Update: 08/04/2019 6:35 p.m.
Compiler: Christian Wirz
Editor: –
Reviewers: David Streiff, Alexandra Gavilano

Dajmardei Kaspi (professional herder)

technologies_1407 - Tajikistan

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1. General information

1.2 Contact details of resource persons and institutions involved in the assessment and documentation of the Technology

Key resource person(s)

SLM specialist:

Christian Wirz

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1.3 Conditions regarding the use of data documented through WOCAT

The compiler and key resource person(s) accept the conditions regarding the use of data documented through WOCAT:

Yes

1.5 Reference to Questionnaire(s) on SLM Approaches (documented using WOCAT)

Seminomadic individual herding [Tajikistan]

Pasture management by a single herder, assisted either by an employee or by his own grandchildren, in collaboration with the habitants of the nearby village Karsang.

Compiler: Christian Wirz
02/23/2010 midnight

2. Description of the SLM Technology

2.1 Short description of the Technology

Definition of the Technology:

Extensive grazing of sheep and goats by the means of a precise rotational scheme

2.2 Detailed description of the Technology

Description:

Half-year herding with 500 sheep, goats and cows (very few), with 7-8 different locations of the herder's tent. The herder visits each place twice to thrice per grazing season and stays in one place for one week to maximally one month (during the Ramadan period, due to limited forces). The area is grazed from the higher zone (around 2000m) to the lower zone (around 1600m) twice per season, in a sort of circle. Every day the herder starts in another direction from his tent and leads the animals to the pastures, once in the morning and once in the evening. He passes a stream once (autumn) to twice (summer) a day.

Purpose of the Technology: The grass should not get dusty and dirty, explaining why the herder daily changes the pastures, only revisiting the same places every two to three days.

Establishment / maintenance activities and inputs: After accompanying his father as a child and a kind of an apprenticeship (of one year) later on, M. is considered by the villagers as a good herder and they give him their animals for herding. But M. applies for land on the forest department only after working as a guardian and as a tractor driver for 20 years. For the herding profession observing the animals precisely is necessary, in order not to lose any of them. And the maintenance of the pastures is guaranteed by the strict rotational scheme.

Natural / human environment: The pasture-area is in a generally well-conserved state. Moderate to high values of fractional vegetation cover can be observed and only few signs of recent erosion processes (through water) are visible. The area is characterised by steep slopes where still signs of past tree-planting during the USSR period are visible by some trees, many little platforms made for tree-planting and a few terraced areas. Eventhough, many trees have been grazed and do not stand anymore. Besides steep areas there are small, quite flat areas (where the herder installs his tents), that used to be cultivated (wheat) till 1966. These areas generally have low cover-values and signs of rill-erosion, which the herder attributes to the past tilling activity. However, it might also be the trampling and sitting of the animals (staying near the herder's tent at noon-time and during the night) causing this erosion. Nutrient management is provided for by the dung of the animals which is not collected, contrarily to the pastures near the villages.

2.3 Photos of the Technology

Media Gallery

2.5 Country/ region/ locations where the Technology has been applied and which are covered by this assessment

Country:

Tajikistan

Region/ State/ Province:

Region of Republican Subordination

Further specification of location:

Faizabad

Comments:

Total area covered by the SLM Technology is 3 km2.

The half of the herded area is rented by another person from the village, who gives his animals to the herder. Apart from the interviewed herder there are varying numbers of other semi-nomadic herders with similar management practices, some of them from other regions.

2.6 Date of implementation

If precise year is not known, indicate approximate date:

more than 50 years ago (traditional)

2.7 Introduction of the Technology

Specify how the Technology was introduced:

as part of a traditional system (> 50 years)

Comments (type of project, etc.):

There are traditional herding peoples like Kuagwates, Kaleks, Lakais, Duramanes, Kurtshaliks), not Tajiks. These often move around with their whole families.

3. Classification of the SLM Technology

3.2 Current land use type(s) where the Technology is applied

Grazing land

Extensive grazing:

Semi-nomadic pastoralism

Animal type:

goats
sheep

cows

Species:

goats

Count:

500

Species:

sheep

Count:

500

Comments:

Livestock density (if relevant):

< 1 LU/km2

Major land use problems (compiler’s opinion): The trampling of the animals near the tent, the feeding on young trees and the daily passage of the herd of a limited number of streams (eutrophication).

Major land use problems (land users’ perception): No major land use problems due to good management. Only the first rain that cannot be absorbed by the dry soils is a problem.

Semi-nomadism / pastoralism: sheep* / goats* / cows

Future (final) land use (after implementation of SLM Technology): Grazing land: Ge: Extensive grazing land

3.4 Water supply

Water supply for the land on which the Technology is applied:

rainfed

Comments:

Specify:

Longest growing period in days: 270Longest growing period from month to month: Oct - Jun

3.5 SLM group to which the Technology belongs

pastoralism and grazing land management

3.6 SLM measures comprising the Technology

management measures

M1: Change of land use type
M4: Major change in timing of activities

Comments:

Main measures: management measures

3.7 Main types of land degradation addressed by the Technology

chemical soil deterioration

Cn: fertility decline and reduced organic matter content (not caused by erosion)

biological degradation

Bs: quality and species composition/ diversity decline

Comments:

Secondary types of degradation addressed: Cn: fertility decline and reduced organic matter content, Bs: quality and species composition /diversity decline

Main causes of degradation: overgrazing (Causing Pc, Bc, Wt), droughts (Causing Pk, Pc, Ha), degradation of near-village pastures (The pressure on more distant areas increases)

Secondary causes of degradation: soil management (passed tilling with impact on Wt), floods (Intensive rains causing Wt), land tenure (Little interest in tree-planting if land can only be rented annually)

3.8 Prevention, reduction, or restoration of land degradation

Specify the goal of the Technology with regard to land degradation:

prevent land degradation

Comments:

Main goals: prevention of land degradation

4. Technical specifications, implementation activities, inputs, and costs

4.1 Technical drawing of the Technology

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Technical specifications (related to technical drawing):

Daily and seasonal rotation.

Location: Above Karsang. Faizabad / Tajikistan

Date: 05.08.09

Technical knowledge required for field staff / advisors: low (Obeying to what the herder says)

Technical knowledge required for land users: moderate (It is necessary to know how to lead animals, more than in the case of the common pasture-area)

Main technical functions: control of dispersed runoff: retain / trap, increase of biomass (quantity)

Secondary technical functions: improvement of ground cover, control of fires, palatable fodder

Change of land use type: From afforestation and limited use as cropland to extensive grazing

Major change in timing of activities: Introduction of a strict rotational grazing scheme

Author:

Christian Wirz, Switzerland

4.2 General information regarding the calculation of inputs and costs

Specify currency used for cost calculations:

Indicate average wage cost of hired labour per day:

6.10

4.3 Establishment activities

	Activity	Timing (season)
1.	Buying a herd	constantly investing

4.4 Costs and inputs needed for establishment

	Specify input	Unit	Quantity	Costs per Unit	Total costs per input	% of costs borne by land users
Other	Buying a herd	animals	50.0	87.7	4385.0	100.0
Total costs for establishment of the Technology					4385.0
Total costs for establishment of the Technology in USD					4385.0

Comments:

Duration of establishment phase: 12 month(s)

4.5 Maintenance/ recurrent activities

	Activity	Timing/ frequency
1.	Rent fee for land of forest department	once per year
2.	Salary of an assistant herder (normally, but not in 2008)	at the end of the season
3.	compensation for dead animals	at the end of the season
4.	Animal medecine	if necessary
5.	Salt	daily

4.6 Costs and inputs needed for maintenance/ recurrent activities (per year)

	Specify input	Unit	Quantity	Costs per Unit	Total costs per input	% of costs borne by land users
Labour	Salary of an assistant herder	Days	120.0	6.1	732.0	100.0
Other	Rent fee for land of forest department	300ha/d	180.0	0.4888888	88.0	100.0
Other	Compensation for dead animals	animals	2.0	44.0	88.0	100.0
Other	Animal medecine	per year	1.0	88.0	88.0	100.0
Other	Salt	kg	1000.0	0.08	80.0	100.0
Total costs for maintenance of the Technology					1076.0
Total costs for maintenance of the Technology in USD					1076.0

Comments:

The costs are valid for a herd of 250 animals kept by the herder alone for six months and additional 250 animals kept during summer holidays with the help of additional workforce. The salary indicated was not valid for 2008 (the grandsons helped the herder), but for years when M. hires external workforce. For all costs, including 50 own animal, prices in 2008 are taken.

4.7 Most important factors affecting the costs

Describe the most determinate factors affecting the costs:

Buying an own herd and looking for the animals are the most expensive factors, expecially if there are sick or dead animals.

5. Natural and human environment

5.1 Climate

Annual rainfall

< 250 mm
251-500 mm
501-750 mm
751-1,000 mm
1,001-1,500 mm
1,501-2,000 mm
2,001-3,000 mm
3,001-4,000 mm
> 4,000 mm

Specifications/ comments on rainfall:

Mainly in spring and also in autumn, with a trend to decrease

Agro-climatic zone

semi-arid

Thermal climate class: temperate

5.2 Topography

Slopes on average:

flat (0-2%)
gentle (3-5%)
moderate (6-10%)
rolling (11-15%)
hilly (16-30%)
steep (31-60%)
very steep (>60%)

Landforms:

plateau/plains
ridges
mountain slopes
hill slopes
footslopes
valley floors

Altitudinal zone:

0-100 m a.s.l.
101-500 m a.s.l.
501-1,000 m a.s.l.
1,001-1,500 m a.s.l.
1,501-2,000 m a.s.l.
2,001-2,500 m a.s.l.
2,501-3,000 m a.s.l.
3,001-4,000 m a.s.l.
> 4,000 m a.s.l.

Comments and further specifications on topography:

Altitudinal zone: Pasture area around 1600 to 2000 m

Landforms ridges: Small, not so steep areas where the tent of the herder is installed

Landforms mountain slopes: The pasture area is generally very steep

Slopes on average steep (31-60%): The areas mostly frequented are steep

Slopes on average very steep (>60%): The areas dominating spatially are very steep

Slopes on average hilly (16-30%): Ridge areas

5.3 Soils

Soil depth on average:

very shallow (0-20 cm)
shallow (21-50 cm)
moderately deep (51-80 cm)
deep (81-120 cm)
very deep (> 120 cm)

Soil texture (topsoil):

medium (loamy, silty)

Topsoil organic matter:

low (<1%)

If available, attach full soil description or specify the available information, e.g. soil type, soil PH/ acidity, Cation Exchange Capacity, nitrogen, salinity etc.

Soil depth on average shallow: Most grassy areas

Soil fertility is low: on the surface of 300 ha the summed up dung of 500 sheep and goats cannot compensate for the loss of topsoil by wind and water

Soil drainage / infiltration is good: Generally high infiltration capacity enhanced by high vegetation cover values

Soil water storage capacity medium (dominatig the area): Loamy soils and high cover values, but generally little trees and dried vegetation in August

Soil water storage capacity can also be good: Near the streams higher water retention, according to herder

5.4 Water availability and quality

Availability of surface water:

poor/ none

Water quality (untreated):

for agricultural use only (irrigation)

Comments and further specifications on water quality and quantity:

Water quality (untreated): Locals drink the water, but are affected by diarrhoea

5.5 Biodiversity

Species diversity:

high

Comments and further specifications on biodiversity:

Diversity higher than near the villages, but not comparable with biodiversity hot-spots

5.6 Characteristics of land users applying the Technology

Sedentary or nomadic:

Semi-nomadic

Off-farm income:

less than 10% of all income

Relative level of wealth:

rich

Individuals or groups:

individual/ household

Gender:

Indicate other relevant characteristics of the land users:

Land users applying the Technology are mainly common / average land users

Difference in the involvement of women and men: Herding is considered as a male profession, inherited from father to son. In nomadic peoples the whole families are mobile and women are responsible for domestic work.

Population density: < 10 persons/km2

Annual population growth: 1% - 2%

100% of the land users are rich (100).

Off-farm income specification: The herder claims to nourish himself and his wife with the income from herding. But, once he willl not be able to work as a herder anymore, he might depend on off-farm income from his children (remittances)

5.7 Average area of land used by land users applying the Technology

< 0.5 ha
0.5-1 ha
1-2 ha
2-5 ha
5-15 ha
15-50 ha
50-100 ha
100-500 ha
500-1,000 ha
1,000-10,000 ha
> 10,000 ha

Is this considered small-, medium- or large-scale (referring to local context)?

small-scale

Comments:

3 households can afford to pay the services of the professional herder (clearly a minority of village population)

5.8 Land ownership, land use rights, and water use rights

Land ownership:

state

Land use rights:

leased

Water use rights:

communal (organized)

5.9 Access to services and infrastructure

health:

poor
moderate
good

education:

poor
moderate
good

technical assistance:

poor
moderate
good

employment (e.g. off-farm):

poor
moderate
good

markets:

poor
moderate
good

energy:

poor
moderate
good

roads and transport:

poor
moderate
good

drinking water and sanitation:

poor
moderate
good

financial services:

poor
moderate
good

6. Impacts and concluding statements

6.1 On-site impacts the Technology has shown

Comments/ specify:

The use of the land for fruit production is not possible with animals grazing, but this was also the case before, as to the herder's opinion

Water availability and quality

irrigation water quality

decreased

increased

Comments/ specify:

Due to reduced stocking rates in comparison with village-pastures (and the soviet times), better water quality

Socio-cultural impacts

food security/ self-sufficiency

reduced

improved

health situation

worsened

improved

recreational opportunities

reduced

improved

Livelihoods and human well-being

reduced

improved

Ecological impacts

Water cycle/ runoff

surface runoff

increased

decreased

Comments/ specify:

Better control of runoff, but steeper land

excess water drainage

reduced

improved

Soil

soil cover

reduced

Climate-related extremes (disasters)

Climatological disasters

	How does the Technology cope with it?
drought	not well

Other climate-related consequences

	How does the Technology cope with it?
reduced growing period	well

Comments:

A possible adaption to dryer conditions would be smaller herds.

6.4 Cost-benefit analysis

How do the benefits compare with the establishment costs (from land users’ perspective)?

Short-term returns:

neutral/ balanced

Long-term returns:

very positive

How do the benefits compare with the maintenance/ recurrent costs (from land users' perspective)?

Short-term returns:

slightly positive

Long-term returns:

positive

Comments:

4 Years ago a herd of 400 animals had to be sold due to disease. Since then M was able to rebuild a herd of 500 animals. On a short term investing into animals is expensive but pays quickly. The maintenance costs are finally decisive, but quite constant.

6.5 Adoption of the Technology

single cases/ experimental

If available, quantify (no. of households and/ or area covered):

1 Household

Of all those who have adopted the Technology, how many did so spontaneously, i.e. without receiving any material incentives/ payments?

0-10%

Comments:

100% of land user families have adopted the Technology with external material support

1 land user families have adopted the Technology with external material support

Comments on acceptance with external material support: The herder gets paid by the villagers for taking care of their animals

There is no trend towards spontaneous adoption of the Technology

Comments on adoption trend: According to the herder, young people do not (want to) bear the very physical work.

6.7 Strengths/ advantages/ opportunities of the Technology

Strengths/ advantages/ opportunities in the land user’s view
Grazing stabilises the soils and is thus a prevention against gully erosion in areas with low cover (former cropland). Animals have the same effect as the terraces built years ago. How can they be sustained / enhanced? Grazing activity should continue, once M. is too old for working.
The animals provide for soil fertility by their dung, instead of the fertilisers used in Soviet times. This positively influences the share of palatable plants and cover in general and, by this, soil moisture.
The area on the forest department is a good alternative to the much too small pasture-area near the village

Strengths/ advantages/ opportunities in the compiler’s or other key resource person’s view
Form of land use making it possible to take some pressure from the common pastures without great damages. How can they be sustained / enhanced? It needs to be assured that also poorer families, who depend even more on livestock breeding than richer ones, can give their animals to M. or other professional herders. This could be realised by engaging herder assistants from poor families
The rotational scheme is much more elaborated than in the case of the villages' pastures, which can be explained by more land available How can they be sustained / enhanced? Land users like M. should be addressed by forest administration to elaborate legal forms of herding with little damages on natural resources on this land. This will probably require land reforms.

6.8 Weaknesses/ disadvantages/ risks of the Technology and ways of overcoming them

Weaknesses/ disadvantages/ risks in the land user’s view	How can they be overcome?
Tree planting is not possible as long as the area is used for grazing.	By giving people land for longer periods (than one year) and with more freedoms in its use, people would gain interest in diversifying use: They would split up "their" land into haymaking, orchard and pasture areas.

Weaknesses/ disadvantages/ risks in the compiler’s or other key resource person’s view	How can they be overcome?
The main problem of this form of grazing is that it doesn't allow the regrowth of trees.	Changing the areas use for grazing, respectively haymaking, every few years.
Cover is markedly reduced around the places where tents are installed.	By changing the camping place (but: limited flat areas!) or not keeping the animals in the same place at noon time and during night time, these areas might recover.

7. References and links

Links and modules

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Links

Seminomadic individual herding [Tajikistan]

Pasture management by a single herder, assisted either by an employee or by his own grandchildren, in collaboration with the habitants of the nearby village Karsang.

Compiler: Christian Wirz
02/23/2010 midnight

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