Shrinking pastoral opportunities in space and time: the effects of multi-dimensional transformations in Kazakhstan

Pastoralism as an adaptive strategy to utilise natural fodder resources is an extensive form of animal husbandry at the margins of the ecumene. Seasonality characterises pastoral mobility patterns in sub-tropical and arid mountain environments that often are part of border regions, neglected and marginal lands between urban centres. With expanding spatial control schemes, fragmentation and infrastructure development these regions have become part of governed spaces where state interference aims at changing lifestyles, economic strategies and exchange relations. Focusing on mountain ranges of Central and South Asia it becomes obvious that different administrations have interfered with different strategies. Underlying are often concepts of modernisation that contradict behaviour and lifestyles of pastoralists. The article addresses variations in pastoral strategies that are structured by sets of modernisation strategies in different countries, time-spatial processes of change, ideological and political concepts of development in pastoral spaces. A common denominator is the shrinking of pastoral spaces in most societies due to spatial fragmentation and resettlement policies, expansion of urban settlements and infrastructure networks. Furthermore, mobile pastoralism is regarded as a supposedly outdated profession, eventually leading to a shortage of workforce and labour availability due to low wages and investment returns. A case study will provide insights into specific developments that contributed to shrinking pastoralism in Kazakhstan as well as lessons learnt from their experiences.