Marginality, Climate and Resources in Pastoral Rangelands: Oman and Mongolia

Abstract

On the Ground • Oman and Mongolia feature different political systems and physical landscapes yet represent similar challenges encountered across global pastoral societies. • Extractive industries disrupt pastoral drylands through reorienting government policy, environmental change, altered water supply, and infrastructure factors that challenge livelihood viability. • The impact of climate variability on rangeland livelihoods is now exacerbated by policy and development decisions. • Herder livelihoods at different income and development levels are dependent on government policy and risk mitigation strategies to maintain customary practices. • The combination of multiple external forces stress rural viability and contribute to out-migration from herding systems.