Title : Climate-resilient small ruminant production from pasture lands: challenges and opportunities for sustainable family farming in Bangladesh
Abstract:
Small ruminants—particularly goats and sheep—play a pivotal role in Bangladesh’s rural economy by contributing to income generation, nutritional improvement, and women’s empowerment. Representing about 54% of the nation’s total ruminant population, these animals supply essential food and non-food products including meat, milk, skin, and manure. Pasture-based rearing systems, prevalent in char, coastal, and fallow lands, are cost-effective for smallholders but face growing challenges from climate variability, feed scarcity, and land-use changes. Such pressures threaten both the productivity and sustainability of small ruminant farming systems. This paper explores the nexus between pasture-based small ruminant farming and sustainable development within the framework of the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The sector contributes directly to SDG 1 (No Poverty), SDG 2 (Zero Hunger), SDG 5 (Gender Equality), SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), SDG 13 (Climate Action), and SDG 15 (Life on Land). Climate-smart practices—such as rotational grazing, fodder banking, and promoting drought- and salinity-tolerant forage species—should be prioritized to strengthen adaptive capacity. Government and NGO interventions, including those led by the Department of Livestock Services (DLS), Bangladesh Livestock Research Institute (BLRI), and FAO-PKSF initiatives, demonstrate promising pathways for resilience-building. Evidence from char regions highlights how goat and sheep farming provides climate-adaptive livelihood options and strengthens household economic security. To ensure long-term sustainability, integrated policies on pasture management, veterinary service delivery, and microfinance support must be embedded in national adaptation frameworks. These strategies will enhance productivity, ensure food security, and foster climate-resilient family farming systems in Bangladesh.
Keywords: Small ruminants, Pasture Management, Climate Resilience, Family Farming, Bangladesh, SDGs, Food Security
