Article,
Recent results of yak research in Western High Asia
(2002)
Abstract
IIn this paper four case studies are introduced from Western High Asia; i.e. from the Western Kun Lun Shan and Pamir mountains. Yak keeping has been an important survival strategy for nomads and agropastoralists practising combined mountain agriculture (Ehlers and Kreutzmann 2000). During the 20th century significant transformations of production strategies took place, which have affected animal husbandry in general and yak keeping in particular. Recent results of fieldwork in different mountain communities in Western High Asia show the influence of political transformations and economic reforms. The main emphasis is put on the role of yak breeding within the specific production system.
