Shepherd Participation
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Increase number of shepherds using rotational grazing approach
Improving
Iori River Valley
Georgia
Problem: the pastures in this landscape are degraded, primarily due to unsustainable grazing practices where the sheep density is too high, sheep are constantly present within the pastures and consequently the vegetation is overgrazed. This leads to desertification and erosion.
Action: SABUKO is working with farmers and shepherds to increase their participation in rotational grazing, which means that portions of the pastures will be left ungrazed at any given time to rest and regain vegetation cover.
Indicator: an increase in farmer/shepherd participation in more sustainable grazing practices will indicate SABUKO’s success in stakeholder engagement, trust-building and behaviour change that will lead to long-term commitments to decrease grazing pressure on the pastures within this landscape.
Methods
Level of participation is measured by the number of farmers or shepherds who agree to switch to a rotational grazing scheme, or who requested technical assistance by SABUKO. Technical assistance could include determining rotation schedules, providing sheep welfare through veterinary advice and medicine, or providing reliable water sources (small ponds).
SABUKO also installed GPS collars on the flock’s lead animal to monitor the implementation of the rotational grazing scheme. With this, SABUKO can see which grasslands flocks are using, and for how long they are there.
An example of a GPS collar on the flock’s lead animal, to monitor the implementation of the rotational grazing scheme. Photo: SABUKO
Mukhtar Alakhveranovi is one of the famers in the SABUKO landscape participating in the rotational grazing scheme. SABUKO supports him by providing technical assistance, including veterinary drugs for his flock. Photo: SABUKO
Results
When this project started, there were no farmers or shepherds practicing rotational grazing. In 2022, 7 shepherds were actively working with SABUKO to adjust their grazing practices. 11 out of 32 shepherds (34%) in the area have received technical support.
Partners
