Family-based daily herding

Type: Approaches

Creation: 2010-02-23 00:00   Updated: 2022-07-13 16:04

Compilers: Christian Wirz

Reviewers: David Streiff, Joana Eichenberger

Country/ region/ locations where the Approach has been applied
  • Country: Tajikistan
  • Region/ State/ Province: Region of Republican Subordination
  • Further specification of location (e.g. municipality, town, etc.), if relevant: Faizabad
  • Map: View Map

Description of the SLM Approach

Short description of the Approach

Private herding of 50 goats by the land user and his sons.

Detailed description of the Approach

Aims / objectives: The most important objective for the land user is to make a living for his family (himself, his wife, his sons and their families) by means of simple work, without taking money from others that does not belong to him (without taking bribes). Animal husbandry is an important part of his multistrategy (orchard, kitchen garden, haymaking, grazing). He wants his animals to be fat and healthy and measures the success of his work by the prices obtained on the cattle-market. Further, he does not want that animals damage pastures by too high numbers or too early grazing. For example, vegetation cover is important for him, because it is a protection of soils against frost, it is the best reservoir of seeds and it provides dung for oither plants

Methods: The most important method is is the land user's own initiative, since administration reveals to be a handicap rather than a help. The land user understands himself as someone who relfects on problems and searches for solutions. As an example he mentions the visible damages caused especially by cows if they are led to the pastures too early. He does not lead his cows to the pastures before May because of this and he recommends the village to do so, too, for the village herds. For him, it is necessary to learn from the environment and to respect it. He is also convinced that in the new economic reality after the breakdown of Soviet Union, initiative and entrepreneurial spirit are necessary for success.

Stages of implementation: After renting land for the implementation of an orchard, building a hut and cultivating a garden, he bought a herd. This means that for him breakdown of USSR marks the beginning of his 'Self-made man' approach.

Role of stakeholders: Every family member should contribute to the success of the family enterprise.

Photos of the Approach

Image The land user's son herding the families goats.
The land user's son herding the families goats.
  • 📍 Above Naobad, Faizabad / Tajikistan
  • 📷 Christian Wirz (Switzerland)
Image The women in the family process milk to butter (here) and other products.
The women in the family process milk to butter (here) and other products.
  • 📍 Above Naobad, Faizabad / Tajikistan
  • 📷 Christian Wirz ( Switzerland)