Typology of villages and livestock rearing practices in Badakhshan (north-east Afghanistan)

Abstract

The livestock rearing system was studied in two valleys in Badakhshan, north-east Afghanistan. The first part of the study involved establishing a typology of the villages, taking into account their agro-ecological and human aspects. This typology revealed three main groups: irrigated valley bottom, irrigated mountain and dry mountain. On these grounds, the authors present a study of the livestock rearing practices in terms of the feeding and reproduction of bovines and small ruminants. These practices show a strong link between cattle rearing and arable cultivation, and exclusive exploitation of the mountainous areas by small ruminants. The role of collective practices is studied.