Pastoralism in A Global Age, Livestock Marketing and Pastoral Commercial Activities in Kenya and Burkina Fasso

by Fred Zaal

Comparing the agro-pastoral FulBe in Burkina Faso and the pastoral Maasai in Kenya, this study is a pioneer effort to establish the relevance of the market conditions with which both these groups of livestock producers are confronted. Despite the ecologically poor Sahelian conditions experienced by the FulBe, favourable market conditions for livestock and food grains have allowed most pastoralists to survive on small livestock holdings. The Maasai, due to their large livestock holdings, have been able to maintain an important cultural dimension as well. The market conditions are of increasing importance to them, but the commercialisation of their livestock production system is threatening the social and economic position of women household members.

308 pages, Paperback

First published February 1, 1999