Short Wave A Decade of Dzud: Lessons From Mongolia's Deadly Winters
Jan 29, 2020
Explore the harsh winter crisis known as dzud in Mongolia, where thousands of livestock perish, devastating herding communities. Hear a heart-wrenching account of a herder who lost nearly his entire cattle. Discover how environmental changes like drought and shrinking grasslands intensify these challenges. Yet, amid adversity, Mongolian herders display remarkable resilience through sustainable practices and community solidarity. Their connection to the land and each other shines through inspiring stories of perseverance.
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Oytan Gonchik's Loss
- In 2000, Oytan Gonchik lost almost all his livestock to a dzud, a harsh Mongolian winter.
- His animals died from starvation, illness, and exposure because snow covered the grazing land.
Dzud's Impact
- Dzud is a slow-onset disaster impacting herders financially, socially, and spiritually.
- Many herders, like Oytan, migrated to cities like Ulaanbaatar due to these losses.
Increased Dzud Frequency
- While dzuds historically occurred once a decade, Mongolia experienced four between 2000-2010.
- 21 million livestock died, causing widespread devastation and migration.