Range management problems in Balochistan are diverse and complex. The ranges of Balochistan are open and no one is responsible for management. Rangeland ownership is not clear or very poorly defined ownership. There are four major land ownership systems (Individual ownership, Tribal claims, Community ownership, State Ownership). Approximately 4% rangelands are under the Forest Department and the rest belongs to different groups. As a result of open grazing system the ranges are degrading very rapidly. The major range degradation factors are forage shortage, elimination of desirable range species, dominance of less preferred species, desertification, soil erosion, increased runoff and reduced infiltration (Fig. 3). Perennial grasses like Chrysopogon aucheri and Cymbopogon jwarancusa have completely eliminated in many ranges and are only found in some protected range areas. Similarly, many desirable shrub species like Caragana ambigua, Stocksia brahvica, Berberis Balochistanica, Prunus eburnea etc. have been replaced by Haloxylon grifithii and other unpalatable species. Limited information is available on rangeland resources, potential, and management options. Most of the Pastoral communities are in isolation especially in the mountain areas of Balochistan. Moreover, there is a transformation of these communities due to rapid extension in irrigated agriculture and changes in traditional migratory routes. From the last few years it has also been observed that to crop production on marginal lands is also increasing and resulting in conversion of rangelands into agricultural activities. Early spring migration of nomads from lowlands to highlands did not allow range plants for growth and seed production.

Generally, range management is a low priority area and lack of integrated range management approach and non-involvement of range management activities in other Natural Resource Management Projects is a common practice. Many Range Management Projects in Balochistan have adapted only technical range management approach ignoring the traditional customs, rights and local arrangements. Generally, most of the range management programs last two to three years. This duration is not sufficient to show any positive impact to communities on range management/improvement and livestock production. Removal of range vegetation for fuel wood is a major concern all over the Province and no alternate energy sources like solar cookers and other efficient cooking and heating devices are available. Recurrence of drought is a common phenomenon in Balochistan. However, no sound viable options are available to reduce the livestock mortality and rangeland degradation under drought conditions. Some productive ranges at present are under utilization due to non-availability of stock water. Community participation is one of the main factors for any successful range management Program. However, in Balochistan, very weak community participation in range management activities has been observed. Moreover, communities are in view that they there are no incentives for range management and they alone cannot bear the range management cost. Some other issues like limited research activities on all aspects of range management, lack of awareness, education and dissemination of knowledge, lack of trained manpower and reform in existing range management policies are also important for effective range management.