The Future of Yak Farming from the Perspective of Yak Herders and Livestock Professionals

Nedup Dorji, Marjolein Derks, Peter W.G. Groot Koerkamp and Eddie A.M. Bokkers
Additional contact information
Nedup Dorji: Farm Technology Group, Wageningen University & Research, P.O. Box 16, 6700AA Wageningen, The Netherlands
Marjolein Derks: Farm Technology Group, Wageningen University & Research, P.O. Box 16, 6700AA Wageningen, The Netherlands
Peter W.G. Groot Koerkamp: Farm Technology Group, Wageningen University & Research, P.O. Box 16, 6700AA Wageningen, The Netherlands
Eddie A.M. Bokkers: Animal Production Systems Group, Wageningen University & Research, P.O. Box 338, 6700AH Wageningen, The Netherlands

Sustainability, 2020, vol. 12, issue 10, 1-15

Abstract: The declining number of yak farming families is perceived as a socio-political and economic concern in Bhutan. However, there is limited understanding of what influences herders’ plans and decisions on yak farming. We studied factors determining future perspectives of yak farming by interviewing yak herders and livestock professionals. We analysed relationships between herders’ characteristics and level of concerns, and future plans related to yak farming. Furthermore, relationships between level of concern and future plans were analysed. Most of the herder characteristics did not influence their future plans with yak farming. Age and level of perceived concern of the herders was associated with their wish for their children to continue yak farming in the future. Nevertheless, they expect that the number of yak farming families will decline in the next ten years. Additionally, most of the livestock professionals believe that the number of yak farming families will decline in the future. No differences were observed between the aggregated score of concern of herders and livestock professionals. The most important factors threatening the future of yak farming in Bhutan according to herders and livestock professionals are forage shortage, predation and no successor to take up yak farming.

Keywords: yak farming; future; opinions; perceived concern; sustainability (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2020
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