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The objective of this consultancy was to review information on Afghanistan’s rangelands
in order to develop rangeland policy consistent with other approved natural resource
management policies and livestock development strategies. The consultancy included 8 tasks:
1. A review of Afghanistan rangeland management and livestock development
documentation produced over the last 30 years.
2. A review of recently approved natural resource management policies, including
environmental protection.
3. An assessment of the scale, geographical distribution and diversity of Afghanistan’s
rangelands.
4. Categorization of rangeland according to species composition and productivity levels.
5. An indicative assessment of the carrying capacity of the different types of rangeland
including the seasonal variations in carrying capacity.
6. An analysis of current rangeland management practices and user rights and an assessment
of the sustainability of such practices relative to rangeland productivity levels.
7. Identification of key rangeland management issues and possible options for their
resolution.
8. Development of rangeland policy and strategies for sustainable management.
These tasks are presented as individual sections in this document with citations, tables, and/or
appendices. This report was developed following a review of existing information, interviews
with individuals involved in natural resource policy and management during my period in
Afghanistan (November 14-December 4, 2005) and participation in the Conference on
Pastoralists (kuchi) held in Kabul (November 15-17, 2005).

source: executive summary