Integration of livestock development with forest and rangeland management for sustainable development in Shyangja District, Nepal | |
| Author | Paudel, Giridhari Sharma |
| Call Number | AIT Thesis no.HS-97-17 |
| Subject(s) | Forest management--Nepal--Shyangja Livestock--Nepal--Shyangja--Development |
| Note | A thesis submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science, School of Environment, Resources and Development |
| Publisher | Asian Institute of Technology |
| Series Statement | Thesis ; no. HS-97-17 |
| Abstract | This study seeks ways and means by which livestock raismg can better serve sustainable regional development. In this vein an attempt has been made to analyze current livestock management system, livestock carrying capacity of land resources, feed availability, financial contribution of livestock, institutional support systems, accessibility to market and forest and rangeland management. In this endeavor, a comparative study was done in accessible and inaccessible locations of the Upper Andhikhola Watershed of Shyangja district. Two distinctive trends are apparent in regard to livestock raising. The overall livestock population has increased corresponding to human population. But per household livestock herd size has declined as a result of ever dwindling feed deficit and fragmentation of land holdings. Livestock population is far above the carrying capacity of land resources at current level of management. Excess stocking of livestock has created pressure on communal lands like forest and rangelands. This is applicable at both district and local levels. Fodder scarcity is more severe in inaccessible location compared with accessible location. Lower level of feed intake has made livestock more vulnerable to diseases, which has further weakened the production potentials of livestock. Four types of forest management systems are found in both VDCs. The private forests are small in terms of area coverage and carefully managed by the owners. The forests under traditional community management system are in good condition, as farmers have adopted strict "watch and control policy". Forests under government initiated community forestry have well prepared plans and their condition is improving gradually. The VDC owned or "open access" forests have no effective management system and they are degrading gradually due partly to livestock grazing and fodder collection. The pace of degradation is more rapid in inaccessible VDC compared with the accessible VDC. The condition of rangelands on the hill-slopes of both inaccessible and accessible VDCs is improving gradually due to enhanced management system adopted by the farmers. Though, there is enough work to be done to the rangelands located on the ridges. Livestock raising has been the second most important source of household income in both VDCs. It seems to be more profitable than the cereal crop cultivation but this activity has followed a downward trend due to feed scarcity and high prevalence of diseases. The situation will deteriorate further, if any progressive interventions are not made. However, there is scope for enhancing the local economy considerably through livestock development by upgrading animal health, increasing the supply of fodder/feed and improving the marketing system. Emphasis should be given to promote improved dairy cattle in accessible VDC and buffaloes and goat in inaccessible VDC. |
| Year | 1997 |
| Corresponding Series Added Entry | Asian Institute of Technology. Thesis ; no. HS-97-17 |
| Type | Thesis |
| School | School of Environment, Resources, and Development (SERD) |
| Department | Other Field of Studies (No Department) |
| Academic Program/FoS | Human Settlement (HS) |
| Chairperson(s) | Thapa, G. B; |
| Examination Committee(s) | Weber, Karl E.;Routray, J.K.; |
| Scholarship Donor(s) | Queen Sirikit's Scholarship; |
| Degree | Thesis (M.Sc.) - Asian Institute of Technology, 1997 |