Kibenko V.A., Sukhova E.A. Vital Activity of Reindeer Herders: The Problem of the Balance of Natural and Socio-Economic Factors. News of higher educational institutions. Sociology. Economy. Politics. 2020. Vol. 13. No. 1. Pp. 59-68.

Abstract

The study is relevant in connection with the need to study the socio-economic aspects of the regulation of the number of domestic reindeer in private reindeer herds of Yamalsky region of the Yamal-Nenets Autonomous District. Interest in the problem was sharply updated against the background of the outbreak of anthrax in the summer of 2016. The executive authorities of the Yamal-Nenets Autonomous District raised a range of issues for regional science that require study and development of recommendations in the sphere of vital activity of reindeer herding households. A comprehensive study showed the presence of reindeer pasture depletion amid growing stocks leading to overgrazing, as well as the poor financial situation of reindeer herders and a number of other problems. The purpose of this part of the study was to identify factors affecting the size of livestock in private reindeer herds. The collection of primary sociological information was carried out by quantitative and qualitative sociological methods in the framework of three expeditions to Yamalsky region. The analysis made it possible to identify a rich, middle-income and poor family as realized by reindeer herders and to calculate the optimal number of domestic reindeer in private reindeer herds depending on the number of people in the household. The optimal herd size depends, first of all, on the composition of the family, the length of the migration route and its distance from the settlements, pasture conditions, purchase prices for reindeer husbandry products, the cost of motor fuels and other inventory items, social support measures and other factors affecting the life of reindeer herders’ families. The problem of livestock regulation is an acute social problem; hasty measures to introduce any restrictions can lead to a deterioration in the social and economic situation of reindeer herders’ families and an increase in social tension. The data obtained are of great practical importance for the authorities and the indigenous peoples of the North of the Yamal-Nenets Autonomous District, who can use them to improve the socio-economic situation of reindeer herders.