In 2012 Caritas Czech Republic became a part of the development of an educational system for herders in the Mongolian countryside. The project will increase the productivity and sustainability of the economy of small cattle breeders, and is supported by the Czech Development Agency.

Pastoralism still creates 20 percent of all GDP and is the main source of sustenance for 30-40 percent of citizens in Mongolia. That share is going to fall slowly (because of the limited speed of creating new jobs in other sectors). Pastoralism is made up mostly by small self-employed herders.

There are some issues with pastoralism as it is done today. Productivity is low, and environmental practices destroy the pastures and landscapes. Many of the herders do not have enough knowledge and experience with efficient production and have limited opportunities to improve their qualifications.

Caritas Czech Republic, together with local partner and non-government organisation Environment and Security Center of Mongolia (ESCM), the ministry of agriculture, and representatives of the provinces of Khentii a Sukhbaatar in Eastern Mongolia will focus on increasing professional knowledge and skills of workers of rural agricultural support centers (founded by Ministry of Agriculture to consult with farmers in areas of animal and plant production) who will be able to train herders in current methods of production.

In May and June, Caritas Czech Republic and partner organisation ESCM investigated exact needs and possibilities of agricultural supporting centres in selected areas. The project team then prepared training programs that began at the centers in July. Center staff use handbooks that help them understand how to work with herders. A pilot cycle of training for herders took place between August and November.