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

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.