|
|
|
| The history of pastoralism in a nutshell |
The breeding
of domesticated livestock was practiced in combination with farming as
early as 11,000 years ago in the Middle East and shortly afterward in North
Africa. Pure pastoralism (with no farming) emerged as a means of livelihood
as early as 4,000 years ago in the Middle East and 3,000 years ago in North
Africa. In Africa, the principal types of livestock are sheep and goats,
dromedaries (single-hump camels), horse, donkeys, and several types of
bovine animals, including cattle and zebus. Find more at www.africana.com
It has been known for decades that the human race originated in Africa
- possibly in East Africa. Scientists from ILRI and Ireland have now shown
that cattle were also first domesticated there. For many years it was thought
that cattle were domesticated in the Middle East and taken to Africa. In
fact |
| |
| Camels |
|
There are around 20 million
camels in the world. The Arabian camel, also known as the one-humped camel
or dromedary is found in hot countries. The two-humped Bactrian camel is
found in places where winters are very cold such as Mongolia and Russia.
Many African countries are famous for camel keeping like Somalia (6 million
camels) and Sudan (3 million). However now camels are becoming important
in Australia. There are 200, 000 camels 'Down Under'. In drier parts of
Australia 10% of butchers and up to 20% of restaurants sell camel meat.
A recent survey found that the reasons for selling camel meat were that
it was popular with tourists; for variety; its novelty appeal; and because
it was bush tucker, (for those of you who don't talk Australian 'tucker'
means food.
|
| The different faces of pastoralism |
Outside Africa pastoralists keep many other types of animals. In Iran, nomadic
descendants of the Zott gypsies herd buffalo. But before their bravery carries
you away, I should add these are domestic buffalo not the wild species we
are familiar with in Africa.
In India geese and ducks are kept by specialist pastoralists who herd them
from place to place. In Bangladesh pigs are kept in the same way. One might
wonder whether a Turkana warrior think it undignified to herd chicken instead
of cattle!
In Lapland reindeer are kept in nomadic herds. In the past they used to
be herded on foot now snowmobiles are used. Perhaps the future will see
African pastoralists using trail bikes to round up their herds!
Other species kept by pastoralists include yaks, horses, Bactrian camels
in Asia, llamas, vicunal and alpacas in South America. |
| Did you know... |
African hump less cattle were developed from the wild ox at least
7000-9000 years ago. This probably took place near the present day
Sudan / Egypt border. African cattle also show much greater genetic
variety than European or Asian cattle. This means they have more
potential to adapt to different situations.
A pig always sleeps
on its right side.
Sharks never sleep
at all! If they stop swimming they drown
A rat can last longer
without water than a camel.
In 1859, 24 rabbits
were released in Australia. Within six years the population grew
to 2 million.
The correct name for
a group of goats is not a 'flock' or a 'herd' but a 'Trip'
The Masaai keep cattle, the Somalis keep camels and most pastoralists
keep sheep, goats and donkeys. Recent years have seen changes. In
drier areas cattle are becoming less important compared to sheep
and goats more so. And with increasing climatic stress, perhaps
caused by global warming, camels are spreading. One or two are even
to be found in the Karamoja!
Pigs are amongst the most intelligent of the domesticated (tamed)
animals? Some people consider them dirty, yet pigs keep themselves
cleaner than most other farm animals do. This is because they have
no sweat glands. However during warm weather, pigs often wallow
(roll about) in mud to keep cool. They have small eyes and poor
eyesight. But a keen sense of smell helps them find food.
Pigs grunt and squeal when hurt or excited. They use their snouts
to dig for greens - their favorite foods! They have a total of 34
or 44 teeth, depending on the species. They provide us with pork,
eaten as pork chops, ham, bacon and sausage. The fat, skin, hair
and glands are used to make leather, brushes, soap fertilizer, glue
and medicines. A pig protects itself by running away, but if cornered,
may charge and bite.
|
|
|
