Sustainable Livestock Management under Changing Climate in Central Asia

Abstract

Livestock production in Central Asian countries faces several challenges. Firstly, it is an increasing demand for livestock products fueled by the growing human population in the region as well as by the increasing incomes. Secondly, this region already faces difficulties in sustaining livestock production due to the changing climate. In this regard, this paper reviews the current state of natural resource management, the existing issues and solutions, and what the region can expect in near future in the conditions of changing climate and environment. The paper describes the current condition of livestock production and rangeland resources and their utilization in the post-independence period in the five Central Asian states, including Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan. It also reviews the existing livestock production systems in the region. Issues addressed in the paper include degradation of rangelands, influence of livestock production to environment and already felt climate change indicators. The paper further provides a list of possible solutions to above mentioned issues. In the final part of the paper, there is a forecast for meat consumption, population growth, climate change, and change of livestock production systems.