Over centuries, nomadic herders of Mongolia have developed numerous experience and knowledge in their endeavor to maintain a harmonious co-existence with fragile and sensitive ecosystem of dry rangelands.
However, with overgrazing and the deterioration of rangelands, this ecosystem is now in danger. In the long run, severe degradation of rangelands can lead to drastic reduction of income both of herders and for Mongolia, as Agriculture including herding is the 2nd pillar of the national economy.
As part of its comprehensive approach to respond to this complex issue, the 15 years-long Green Gold and Animal Health Project funded by the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation /SDC/ has developed a full traceability system called Responsible Nomads.
SDC-s share of ownership on 3 of its digital modules: a Animal Husbandry Welfare Information System, a Herd Management Planning System and a Milk Supply Traceability System, are today handed over to the Mongolian Ministry of Food, Agriculture and Light Industry.
These traceability systems provide stakeholders with the tools to appreciate best practices of nomadic livestock herding; enable them to source their livestock raw materials from nomadic herders who maintain healthy rangeland and treat their livestock responsibly. The moreover promote the value chain of livestock products that incentivize improvements in animal care and land management.
Over centuries, nomadic herders of Mongolia have developed numerous experience and knowledge in their endeavor to maintain a harmonious co-existence with fragile and sensitive ecosystem of dry rangelands.
However, with overgrazing and the deterioration of rangelands, this ecosystem is now in danger. In the long run, severe degradation of rangelands can lead to drastic reduction of income both of herders and for Mongolia, as Agriculture including herding is the 2nd pillar of the national economy.
As part of its comprehensive approach to respond to this complex issue, the 15 years-long Green Gold and Animal Health Project funded by the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation /SDC/ has developed a full traceability system called Responsible Nomads.
SDC-s share of ownership on 3 of its digital modules: a Animal Husbandry Welfare Information System, a Herd Management Planning System and a Milk Supply Traceability System, are today handed over to the Mongolian Ministry of Food, Agriculture and Light Industry.
These traceability systems provide stakeholders with the tools to appreciate best practices of nomadic livestock herding; enable them to source their livestock raw materials from nomadic herders who maintain healthy rangeland and treat their livestock responsibly. The moreover promote the value chain of livestock products that incentivize improvements in animal care and land management.