Adaptive Strategies Adopted by Herders Against the Decollectivization of Rangeland in the Qinghai–Tibetan Plateau in China

Mountain Research and Development

article

Yang Zhe¹  Jiu Cili¹  Ruth H. Mace¹  Du Juan¹  Bai Pengpeng¹  Du Guozhen¹ 

[1] State Key Laboratory of Grassland and Agro-ecosystems, School of Life Sciences, Lanzhou University;Department of Anthropology, University College London

关键词: Adaptive strategies;    rangeland decollectivization;    herding;    rangeland contract policy;    nomadic settlement project;    Qinghai–Tibetan Plateau.;   

DOI  :  10.1659/MRD-JOURNAL-D-19-00034.1

来源: BioOne

【 摘 要 】

The domestication of the yakon the Qinghai–TibetanPlateau probably dates backto 7300 years ago, when therangelands were also utilizedfor cultivation. Over time, acomplete system of herdingand rangeland managementdeveloped. In recent years, however, the rangeland contract policyand nomadic settlement project have reduced the mobility of herdsthrough the decollectivization of the rangeland. This process hasdestroyed the traditional nomadic lifestyle and caused difficulties,forcing the herders to adapt to new ways. This paper considers 3issues: (1) the implementation of the contract policy and thesettlement project—2 important policies that have caused thedecollectivization of rangeland on the Qinghai–Tibetan Plateau; (2)the effects of the 2 policies on herding at 2 sites; and (3) theadaptive strategies employed by herders against the constraints ofthe policies. The study incorporates a literature review, fieldwork,key-person interviews, and focus group discussions. Communitybased self-management of the rangeland appears to be the beststrategy for herders. Policies such as group herding can helpherders increase herd mobility, which is crucial for sustainablyraising livestock on the Qinghai–Tibetan Plateau.

【 授权许可】

CC BY