Economic transition impact on livestock production in Central Asia: Survey results

Abstract

The dramatic changes in post-Soviet Central Asia have impacted the livestock sector and the livelihoods of the rural communities. The most critical of these changes include the restructuring of former collective farms, the formation of new private farms, and the changes in land tenure and property rights. The traditional markets have been lost to producers due to the disruptions in the market integration of the former production system and because of economic liberalization. New national trade policies and rules have created new trade barriers. Poor infrastructure and weak linkage to market outlets have constrained access to the domestic markets. This led to a dramatic reduction in livestock numbers. The reforms are uneven in different countries and private farms are gaining increasing prominence in the countries with more vigorous privatization programs. This study documents the constraints on livestock production faced by newly formed private farms and recommends actions at the technological, market, and policy levels for improving livestock productivity and the welfare of rural communities.