Challenges
While Yak pastoralism offers many opportunities for Nepalese hillside farmers, currently there remains many challenges and obstacles that must be addressed first. Despite some past studies showing erosion by yaks to not be severe, if coupled with overgrazing there can be some serious implications of land degradation (Bauer, 1990; Watanabe, 1994). Also the initial cost of procuring yaks for herding can be quite expensive and thus out of reach for subsistence farmers (Joshi, 2002). Then one must consider the costs and dangers of keeping herds in regards to sickness and mortality of the animals. Presently there is concerns of the prevalence of Yaks who are infected with Foot and mouth disease and Brucellosis (Jackson, Nydam, & Altier, 2014). As for healthy Yaks a loss of profits can be traced to improper harvesting of the down hair and lack of suitable markets to sell their goods (FAO, 2006). This is connected to one of the weakest areas of the hillside farmer and pastoralists businesses---lack of infrastructure (Dong. S. K., L. Wen, Zhu L, J. P. Lassoie, Z. L. Yan, K. K. Shrestha, 2009; The World Bank, 2015). Due to the harsh, steep landscape transportation and processing facilities are failing to meet the needs for proper development. Improved roads, bridges and extension services are fundamental to any growth in this area (The World Bank, 2015).
Opportunities
However, many innovations and opportunities to target and reduce these liabilities are emerging. With proper inputs and investments there is great potential for increased economic profits without causing environmental damage. Cover and forage crops are good aids in preventing erosion and overgrazing, as well as shifting migration patterns back to higher elevations (Bauer, 1990). Establishing and maintaining a system of rotating between leaving areas undisturbed with cover crops and foraging is key. In one case study rotational grazing displayed an increase in forage production by 40% (Dong. S. K., L. Wen, Zhu L, J. P. Lassoie, Z. L. Yan, K. K. Shrestha, 2009). Increasing crop yields of hay and potatoes also has some promise for protecting soils and feeding livestock. There have been developments concerning seed replacement strategies and using seed varieties that are resistant to cooler temperatures and common diseases (FAO, 2013). Loan disbursement programs could assist in initial costs of Yak purchases, while pooling community herds, and subdividing would specify and reduce individual labour requirements (FAO, 2006).
Education and training of farmers is needed to address health, harvesting and market losses (FAO, 2006). The implementation of agricultural extension officers would be greatly beneficial (Dong. S. K., L. Wen, Zhu L, J. P. Lassoie, Z. L. Yan, K. K. Shrestha, 2009). For instance informing pastoralists of the importance of proper combing of Yak hair before shearing could increase down hair harvested by 10% (FAO,2006). Other simple procedures regarding simple sanitation techniques can help prevent the spread of diseases too (Jackson et al., 2014).
Education and training of farmers is needed to address health, harvesting and market losses (FAO, 2006). The implementation of agricultural extension officers would be greatly beneficial (Dong. S. K., L. Wen, Zhu L, J. P. Lassoie, Z. L. Yan, K. K. Shrestha, 2009). For instance informing pastoralists of the importance of proper combing of Yak hair before shearing could increase down hair harvested by 10% (FAO,2006). Other simple procedures regarding simple sanitation techniques can help prevent the spread of diseases too (Jackson et al., 2014).