Protsessy transformatsii skotovodcheskogo khoziaistva v Tuve i Zabaikalie na rubezhe XX-XXI vv.

Abstract

The article discusses the present state of pastoralism in two areas of Siberia (Tuva and Aga Buryats) in comparison with currents transformations among other nomads in the Central and Inner Asia. After the collapse of the USSR, privatization, rise of prices for energy resources, and the shrinking of land under crops led to the degradation of merino sheep breeding. Kolkhozes were mostly divided into individual farms (households). By the mid-1990s, infrastructure (electricity, pump wells, etc.) in many areas ceased to function. Many pastoralists were forced to abandon the seasonal movement due to the absence of artificial water sources. This resulted in the growth of pressure on resources, even though the total number of animals decreased. Presently, the crisis has slowed down, the pressure on pastures has reduced, and grasslands are gradually restored; yet, there is no evident progress and natural forms of economy are still dominant. A similar situation is observed in other post-Soviet states (Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, etc.). In Mongolia, changes were not so catastrophic. After the first five years of crisis, both the number of nomads’ farms and the number of livestock increased. The development of pastoralism in the Inner Mongolia and China was different. The policy toward the sedentarization of nomads, accompanied by the large-scale mechanization and stabling of cattle, was implemented under the state control. However, a considerable part of pastures in the Inner Mongolia is still on the verge of severe degradation.