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East African Pastoralism in Transition: Maasai, Boran, and Rendille Cases

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  23 May 2014

Elliot Fratkin
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Abstract

Pastoralist societies in East Africa (Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda) face more demands on their way of life than at any previous time. Population growth, loss of herding lands to farmers, ranchers, game parks, and urban growth, increased commoditization of the livestock economy, out-migration by poor pastoralists, and dislocations brought about by drought, famine, and civil war are increasing throughout the region. These problems are intensified as international development programs encourage privatization and individuation of formerly communally held resources. The examples of the Maasai, Boran, and Rendille of Kenya demonstrate that East African pastoralists are responding to the social, political, and economic challenges with increased economic diversification including agro-pastoralism, wage labor, and increased market integration. These changes result in increased social and economic stratification, urban migration, and diminished nutrition for women and children.

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Articles
Information
African Studies Review , Volume 44 , Issue 3 , December 2001 , pp. 1 - 25
Copyright
Copyright © African Studies Association 2001

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