Pastoralism - Case Studies

Dr. Betty FaustEST-200

Introduction Ariaal of N. Kenya Yoruk of Turkey Maasai of Kenya/Tanzania Mongols of Mongolia Al-Murra of Saudi Arabia

Topics of Discussion Variation in dependence on

animals Variation in incorporation in the

global economy Variation in patterns of movement Different social/kinship patterns Environment & impact

Ariaal - East African Cattle Complex N. Kenya, Africa - South of Ethiopia,

7,000 people in tribe Refugees, drought - wars, epidemics -

created ethnic identity Environment - seasonality, semi-desert

(250-500 mm/yr) Reduce risk - 4 different species,

diverse pastures Cultural value, social meaning of animals

Ariaal - Details Diet - milk 70%, blood, porridge

(grains), meat Women, older people and children -

milking, animals in domestic pastures. Men of warrior age - camp pastures,

distant from settlement. initiation age sets - boys, warriors (11-

25), fathers/elders. Age sets vs. patrilineages

Patrilineal polygyny - houses vs. households inheritance - males bride wealth/”price” - returnable women’s tasks - houses, water,

infants, milking older children care for younger

ones

Modernization government and missionaries -

settle them! dependence on handouts (land not

arable) overgrazing near missions and

government posts loss of conservationist practices

Recommendations for future Appreciate traditional knowledge

and practices Assist - veterinarians and pest

control Lift grazing restrictions - disperse

flocks Market access - transport,

information, facilities

Lessons learned Assumptions vs. long-term,

detailed observation of cycles. One change creates others,

anticipate.