Expansive Encroachments and Challenging Changes - Shifting landscapes and adaptive measures among reindeer- and sheepherders in a city-near environment

Abstract

In the outskirts of Tromsø, the largest city in northern Norway, both reindeer herders and sheep farmers are trying to navigate through a changing landscape. The animal husbandries that have been practiced here since time immemorial, are experiencing increasing challenges as the city continues to grow and develop. This study aims to bring forth some of these challenges, such as land encroachment and building of new residential areas and infrastructure. An increasing number of predators, recreational users and dogs in the grazing lands are also affecting the herder’s work. These aspects affect the reindeer herders and sheep farmers negatively, as it is more difficult to keep their animals safe as the pastures are shrinking. Further, this study looks at how the herders try to adapt to challenges to be able to continue with their husbandries.

In symbiosis with the film, Among Herders, this thesis presents a deeper and more nuanced understanding of how herders in a city-near environment dwell in landscapes that are used by various actors, with different motivations and perceptions of the environments. With political ecology as the framework, this extends the thesis’ range to include the power relations that affects the herders’ way of life and is important for understanding the complexity of their situations. Thus, I will argue that this text presents an important contribution to the understanding of animal husbandries.