Decline in traditional fodder availability and shift to alternative fodder supplements for livestock in Chamoli district, Uttarakhand, India
https://doi.org/10.24057/2071-9388-2026-3968
Abstract
The Himalayan region’s traditional fodder systems are under increasing strain from socioeconomic shifts and environmental change. This study examines the changing dynamics of fodder availability and livestock management in Chamoli district, Uttarakhand (India). The study was conducted in five blocks of the district (Joshimath, Pokhari, Karnaprayag, Tharali, and Dewal). These covered different elevation zones: lower (800–1,500 m), middle (1,500–2,500 m), and higher (>2,500 m). The research employed household surveys (n=150) to examine trends in traditional fodder resources, adaptation strategies, and associated challenges. Findings reveal a 37% decline in overall fodder availability since 1990, with the highest reduction (45%) in higher regions due to climate change and decreasing snowfall. Mid-altitude areas experienced a 38% decline, largely due to restricted forest access and invasive species. The lower zones reported a 29% decrease, which was driven by agricultural expansion and deforestation. The study highlights a 105% increase in fodder collection (from 2.1 to 4.3 hours daily) as well as a doubling of collection distances (from 1.8 to 3.6 km) over three decades. Periods of acute shortage extended from 2.3 to 4.7 months annually. This increase disproportionately impacts women’s workloads. Households have responded by adopting alternative strategies, including commercial feed (63% adoption), increased reliance on crop residues (88%), and herd reduction (97%). Household income, market access, and education significantly influence adaptation capacity. These findings underscore the urgent need for targeted interventions, such as improved fodder cultivation, integrated fodder development programs, enhanced forest management policies, and economic support for dependent populations. This research contributes to understanding social-ecological transitions in mountain systems.
Supporting agencies: The authors gratefully acknowledge the cooperation of the rural households and community members of Chamoli district, Uttarakhand, whose participation made this research possible. The institutional support provided by the Department of Geography, Delhi School of Economics, University of Delhi, and the Centre for the Study of Regional Development (CSRD), Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi, is duly acknowledged. The authors also thank the anonymous reviewers for their constructive comments, which helped improve the quality of the manuscript.
About the Authors
Roosen Kumar
Department of Geography, Delhi School of Economics, University of Delhi
India
India
Delhi, 110007
Versha Kumari
CSRD, School of Social Sciences, Jawaharlal Nehru University
India
India
New Delhi, 110067
Chetna Sharma
CSRD, School of Social Sciences, Jawaharlal Nehru University
India
India
New Delhi, 110067
Bindhy Wasini Pandey
Department of Geography, Delhi School of Economics, University of Delhi
India
India
Delhi, 110007
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Review
For citations:
Kumar R., Kumari V., Sharma Ch., Pandey B. Decline in traditional fodder availability and shift to alternative fodder supplements for livestock in Chamoli district, Uttarakhand, India. GEOGRAPHY, ENVIRONMENT, SUSTAINABILITY. 2026;19(2):18-28. https://doi.org/10.24057/2071-9388-2026-3968
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