Livestock owners in Afghanistan’s Badghis province say worsening drought, climate change and a lack of veterinary services have sharply reduced animal herding, a key source of income in the region.
Herders in Ab Kamari district told Amu that grazing land has dried up and fodder prices have surged, forcing them to buy feed at rates many can no longer afford.
“There is no grass left in the mountains,” said Sirajuddin, a livestock owner. “We bought this fodder for 50,000 afghanis, but it’s already finished. Now we have to take the animals back to barren mountains.”
Others said they lack access to veterinary care, leaving animals vulnerable to disease during the winter, when herders also struggle to secure shelter and adequate feed.
“Livestock farming has no prosperity this year,” said Abdul Majid, another herder. “Our fodder ran out, our sheep and cows fall sick, and we cannot treat them. Many die from the pain.”
Badghis was once a major livestock hub in western Afghanistan, but prolonged drought, climate pressures and limited veterinary infrastructure have heavily eroded herding over recent years, according to local residents.
