Pastoral Economy-Communities in Asia &Africa
These sites may be of help.
http://lead.virtualcentre.org/en/enl/vol1n4/wildlife_pastoral.htm
http://216.239.59.104/search?q=cache:7_Tv8cZEt1UJ:www.fs.fed.us/rm/pubs/rmrs_p039/rmrs_p039_018_029.pdf+Asian+pastoral+communities&hl=en&ct=clnk&cd=2&gl=us&ie=UTF-8
http://www.case.edu/affil/tibet/booksAndPapers/nomads/chapter07.htm
(Broken Link Removed)
http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_hb3103/is_199809/ai_n7859224
The pastoral economy is a type of agricultural economy where livestock raising, such as sheep, goats, or cattle, plays a dominant role. In Asia and Africa, there are several communities that rely heavily on pastoralism for their livelihoods.
To understand these communities, you can start by researching specific regions or countries in Asia and Africa where pastoralism is prevalent. Here are a few examples:
1. Maasai people in East Africa: The Maasai, located in Kenya and Tanzania, have a long history of pastoralism. They traditionally rely on cattle raising, which is central to their culture and economy.
2. Mongolian nomads in Central Asia: The nomadic herders in Mongolia, known as Mongols or Mongolian nomads, have historically engaged in pastoralism. They raise livestock such as horses, camels, sheep, and goats, and often migrate with their herds to find suitable grazing grounds.
3. Fulani people in West and Central Africa: The Fulani, also known as Fula or Fulbe, are a pastoralist ethnic group spread across several countries in West and Central Africa, including Nigeria, Senegal, Mali, and Cameroon. They rely on cattle herding as their primary source of livelihood.
To understand the specific aspects of these pastoral economies, you can delve into the following areas:
1. Livestock management: Research the methods and techniques these communities employ in raising and managing their herds. This includes grazing patterns, animal health practices, and traditional knowledge related to animal husbandry.
2. Socio-cultural aspects: Explore the cultural and social significance of pastoralism in these communities. This may include aspects like traditional ceremonies, nomadic lifestyle, and the role of livestock in rituals and social relationships.
3. Economic impact: Analyze the economic importance of pastoralism in these regions. This includes understanding how livestock serves as a source of income, trade, and food security for these communities. You can also explore the challenges they face, such as changing land use policies, climate change, and market dynamics.
4. Environmental implications: Investigate the ecological impact of pastoralism in these regions. This includes studying the relationship between herds and the environment, land use practices, and the role of pastoralism in biodiversity conservation.
By researching these specific communities and their pastoral economies, you can gain a comprehensive understanding of how livestock raising shapes their way of life, culture, and economy in Asia and Africa.