Herders in Afghanistan’s western Badghis province say a lack of grazing land caused by severe drought is forcing them to buy pastures from local landowners at steep prices, leaving their animals hungry and at risk of death.
In the outskirts of Ab Kamari district, herders bring their flocks to graze on land they say they purchased for about 5,000 Afghanis ($70). Even then, they struggle to keep their animals fed.
“There’s no joy left in herding. Our livestock are sick, and we can’t afford treatment,” said Alam, a herder. “There is no grass in the fields. We bought this pasture for 5,000 Afghanis, but it’s finished already. Now we’re forced to return to the barren plains.”
Another herder, Bismillah, said many animals die once they fall ill.
“We buy water and fodder, but our sheep get sick. We have no ability to treat them, and they all die,” he said.
Residents say Badghis was once a hub of livestock farming, with thousands of animals grazing annually on its mountain slopes. But years of recurring drought have devastated pastures, leaving herders struggling to survive.
