Pastoralism - Case

Studies
Dr. Betty Faust
EST-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
N. Kenya,Complex
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 (1125), fathers/elders.
Age sets vs. patrilineages

Patrilineal

polygyny - houses vs. households

inheritance - males
bride wealth/price - returnable
womens 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.