Question

Describe the pastoral communities of Africa. Also mention their occupation.

Answer 1

Hint: Large proportion of the population of Africa is dependent on Pastoral activities and earn their livelihood through the same. It is practised on 43 percent of Africa’s land.

Complete Step by Step answer: Pastoralism or Pastoral activities includes animal husbandry where livestocks such as cattles, horses, sheeps and etc are reared and grazed on large grasslands. In Africa people belonging to Bedouins, Maasai, Berbers, Boran, Somali, and Turkana communities are dependent on Pastoral activity. It is important for the livelihood and economy of Africa's dry lands. Due to climate change this has spread widely over Africa and now over 268 million people are engaged in this. People according to their lands and suitability graze and rear animals. Generally most of them live in semi arid grassland or arid deserts due to which there is an ongoing mobility from wet to dry lands of livestock. This also required high quality grazing. Through animals they managed to get milk, wool, meat, animal skin etc. Other Pastorals earn their livelihood through trade, transport and agriculture. Due to drastic climate change and intense rearing and caring of livestocks it has caused malnutrition among pastorals. Although pastoral communities give a large contribution to the overall GDP of Africa.

Note: Many researchers believe that climate change has played a significant role in the increasing pastoral activities in Africa, as more and more people are engaging in the same. Africa is the world's second driest continent with 60% of land covered in deserts and drylands. Over 55% of Africa's labour force is working with food production. Petroleum and natural gases are of high export value in Africa.