Chapter 2: Social and Local Development

Title: Social transition in the eyes of Yakutian cattle

Reference: WORLD SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT OUTLOOK 2006 pp. 32 - 42

Abstract/Summary: In Northern parts of the Republic of Sakha (Yakutia) three villages are located inside of the Arctic Circle, where one can find the unique local cattle breed, Yakutian cattle. It is mentioned by FAO to be the last leftover of the once dominating breed, the Siberian cattle. During Russian transition the sovkhozes have been privatised and agricultural structure as a whole is in the process of major changes. This paper poses the question, what is the fate of this cattle breed during the chaotic changes? Based on the interviews during fieldwork in three villages, in spring 2005, the writers will analyse the effects of privatisation processes on cattle farming and local food chain, its social consequences as well as the changing human-animal relationship. Key question is the value of this local breed, with its low milk productivity.

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