Humanitarian Country Team in Mongolia helped herders affected by dzud

Together with Deputy Prime Minister S. Amarsaikhan, Mr. Mishra visited herders in Ugiinuur and Tuvshruulekh soum, Arkhangai aimag to be acquainted with the devastating impact of the dzud that occurred in the last winter and continued through this spring. 

Humanitarian Country Team (HCT), consisting of international organizations, has mobilized humanitarian assistance under the leadership of the UN Resident Coordinator, and provided cash and in-kind support to more than 15,000 affected herder households in 240 soums of 21 provinces. 

The loss of animals was expected to exceed 2 million, however, partly thanks to the early action and response by the joint efforts by the Government of Mongolia and the HCT, the loss has been contained so far to 1 million, according to NEMA officials. 

Although herders tried their best to prepare for hardships in winter, they weren't able to save hay and fodder for their livestock due to drought in the summer that caused pasture degradation and increasing commodity prices. Many herders suffered heavy loss of animals during the winter and spring. 

For instance, Mr Kh.Tumurbaatar, herder from Doit bagh (village) of Ugiinuur soum lost around 50 of his 200 animals. Mr A.Myagmar owned more than 1000 animals. But as of now, he lost around 70 per cent of his total livestock. 

"It's heartbreaking to see the loss of livestock that brought enormous threats to the livelihoods of herders who suffered from the continued dzuds over the winter and spring", said Tapan Mishra. 

"We must focus our efforts on prevention and preparedness rather than a response to disasters" added Tapan Mishra. 

He further emphasized the importance of joint and coordinated efforts and policy support to build the resilience of herders to the natural shocks through comprehensive measures, including improving the quality of herds, value-added products development of the raw materials, and green fodder and feed production that would yield higher productivity of the animal husbandry.