PASTORAL LIFE IN RURAL MONGOLIA: HERDERS’ EXPERIENCES, CHALLENGES, AND FUTURE ADAPTATIONS

Pastoralism remains central to Mongolia’s cultural heritage and rural economy, yet herders face mounting pressures from environmental change, demographic shifts, and market instability. This qualitative study explores the lived experiences, challenges, and future perspectives of four herders in western Mongolia, representing different generations and family structures. Data were collected through participant observation and semi-structured interviews, and analyzed using thematic analysis. Findings reveal that herders value pastoral life for its harmony with nature, emotional fulfillment from livestock, self-sufficiency, and cultural continuity. However, they also confront profound challenges, including climate variability, labor shortages, educational disruptions, health care inaccessibility, and inadequate government support. Participants voiced concern about the declining number of herders and emphasized that sustaining pastoralism will depend on adaptive strategies, intergenerational knowledge transfer, and responsive state policies. The study contributes to understanding how cultural identity, environmental change, and socioeconomic factors intersect in shaping the future of Mongolian pastoralism.<p> </p><p><strong> Article visualizations:</strong></p><p><img src="/-counters-/soc/0857/a.php" alt="Hit counter" /></p>