Livestock farming
In the southern part of Greenland, sheep farming has become an essential part of the local economy and culture, particularly in the Kujataa region. Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Kujataa is a unique agricultural area where traditional practices such as transhumance—moving livestock between summer and winter pastures—and harvesting hay for winter fodder has transitioned largely to mechanized methods, reflecting the modernization of agriculture in the region. While some farmers still rely on traditional scythes and hand-stacking, others have adopted mechanized hay balers, improved breeding programs, and greenhouses to extend the short growing season, ensuring sustainability in an Arctic environment. The region is notable not only for its stunning landscapes but also for its long history of agriculture, which dates back over a thousand years.
At the end of the 10th century, Norse settlers took advantage of a climatic improvement known as the Medieval Warm Period (MWP, approximately 950 ± 300 cal CE) to establish colonies in Greenland, where they remained until the mid-15th century. These settlers imported an Icelandic lifestyle, which included agriculture and pastoralism. According to sagas and archaeological evidence, they engaged in long-distance trade with European elites, particularly in walrus ivory, a highly valued commodity at the time.
Kujataa is located in a more temperate part of Greenland, where the climate is milder compared to the harsher conditions found in the rest of the country. This makes it one of the few areas in Greenland suitable for large-scale agriculture. The Norse settlers established farming practices in this region, including livestock raising and crop cultivation, which laid the foundation for later agricultural activities.
Sheep farming in Kujataa continued to develop over the centuries. In 1721, Danish settlers led by missionary Hans Egede reintroduced livestock farming, further strengthening the region’s agricultural traditions. Over time, it has evolved into a thriving industry, with sheep farming playing a key role in both the local economy and the preservation of traditional Greenlandic culture.
The landscape of Kujataa, characterized by its fertile valleys and coastal climate, is ideal for grazing sheep. The mild summers and long daylight hours allow the sheep to graze on lush pastures, producing high-quality wool and meat. These sheep are well adapted to the harsh conditions of the region, thriving in the cool, coastal climate and playing an important role in the sustainability of the region's agriculture.
Today, sheep farming in Kujataa remains a family-oriented activity. Farmers raise sheep for their meat, which is an important local food source. The region’s sheep farming is supported by a combination of traditional methods passed down through generations and modern agricultural practices.
The Kujataa region’s significance as a UNESCO World Heritage Site highlights the blend of natural beauty and cultural heritage that defines Greenland. The area is one of the only places in the world where Norse agricultural practices, dating back over a thousand years, can still be seen alongside modern farming methods. The sheep farms of Kujataa, which have flourished for centuries, stand as a testament to the adaptability and resourcefulness of the Greenlandic people. Today, the region remains a vital part of Greenland's agricultural identity, combining the preservation of history with the sustainability of modern farming techniques.
However, sheep farming in the Kujataa site is increasingly threatened by climate change. In the past, sheep could graze outdoors even in winter, as they were able to scratch through the snow to find grass. However, rising temperatures and shifting weather patterns have made this impossible. Rain now falls more frequently in winter, creating a thick layer of ice that kills the grass and prevents sheep from reaching it. Additionally, these changes are making summer grazing more difficult, as pastures are becoming less productive. As a result, more and more farmers are struggling to sustain their livelihoods through sheep farming.