Dzud in Mongolia: Critical to act early and protect herders’ livelihoods

Heavy snowfalls in winter following a severe drought in summer cause animals to perish due to a lack of grazing pastures. Herders also wouldn’t be able to prepare hay and fodder to survive through the harsh winter in dry summers. Therefore, the Government of Mongolia calls for early actions and response to protect the livelihoods of the herder households.

“It is vital to take early prevention measures to minimize the impacts of any anticipated hardships and disasters on vulnerable people,” Tapan Mishra, UN Resident Coordinator in Mongolia said at the meeting held by the Humanitarian Country Team (HCT) in Mongolia, consisting of international development and humanitarian organizations.

“Therefore, the HCT will effectively coordinate their collective efforts for dzud response and early preventive actions under the leadership of the Government.”

Responding to the appeal from the Government, the HCT has mobilized needed funds and resources to elevate the suffering of herders and the loss of more animals. Some of these responses would include animal fodder for the most vulnerable herder households while others would receive cash support and health packages.

Dzud, the severe winter situation coupled with economic challenges caused by the pandemic and international crises, and the accompanying increase in commodity and fuel prices, make it more difficult for many Mongolian herders to get through the winter and spring with low risk, according to the analysis by the Government.

The Humanitarian Country Team stands ready to provide needed support for the Government of Mongolia by pooling its funds and available resources. Moreover, the Country Team focuses on early preventive actions to build stronger resilience of herders in times of shocks caused by natural and humanitarian crises.

Mongolia snapshot: Severe Winter - Dzud (2022 - 2023), As of 18 January 2023 by OCHA 

UNICEF Mongolia Representative Evariste Kouassi-Komlan, who is currently on a mission to the western region, reports that many herder families are severely affected by the dzud and experience hardships to access health and education services.