The Darhad Depression lies just south of the Russian-Mongolian border and is home to semi-nomadic pastoralists who specialize in sheep, goats, cattle, and horses. These herders rely on a complex system of traditional ecological knowledge and labor sharing networks to effectively manage common grasslands and conduct seasonal migrations. Human Generosity Project member Thomas Conte is studying how herders share labor and mutual assistance during times of need and how climatic variability and natural disasters effect pastoral families’ ability and willingness to assist other families. Our initial research indicates that herders are inclined to share labor with both close kin and families that live in close proximity to their seasonal camps. We are investigating the interplay between generosity, labor assistance, and social networks especially in light of climatic stochasticity and Mongolia’s exposure to global market for livestock products.
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