Nomadic pastoralism: Difference between revisions
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'''Nomadic pastoralism''' is a farming system where animals (such as cattle, sheep, goats, and camels), are taken to different locations in order to find fresh pastures. It is commonly practiced in regions with little [[arable land]], typically in the developing world. Of the estimated 30–40 million nomadic pastoralists worldwide, most are found in central Asia and the [[Sahel]] region of West Africa. Increasing numbers of |
'''Nomadic pastoralism''' is a farming system where animals (such as cattle, sheep, goats, and camels), are taken to different locations in order to find fresh pastures. It is commonly practiced in regions with little [[arable land]], typically in the developing world. Of the estimated 30–40 million nomadic pastoralists worldwide, most are found in central Asia and the [[Sahel]] region of West Africa. Increasing numbers of stock may lead to [[overgrazing]] of the area and [[desertification]] if lands are not allowed to fully recover between one grazing period and the next. Increased enclosure of land has reduced the amount of land available for this practice. |
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Nomadic pastoralism was |
Nomadic pastoralism was a result of the [[Neolithic Revolution]]. During the revolution, humans began domesticating animals and plants for food and started forming cities. Nomadism generally has existed in symbiosis with such settled cultures trading animal products (meat, hides, wool, cheeses and other animal products) for manufactured items not produced by the nomadic herders. |
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Historically nomadic herder lifestyles has led to warrior based cultures, that have made them fearsome enemies of settled people. Tribal confederations built by charismatic nomadic leaders have sometimes held sway over huge areas as incipient state structures, whose stability is dependent upon the distribution of taxes, tribute and plunder taken from settled populations.<Lerro, Bruce (2006) "Power in Eden: the emergence of gender hierarchies in the ancient world" (Trafford)</ref> |
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==References== |
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Revision as of 14:48, 10 September 2007
Nomadic pastoralism is a farming system where animals (such as cattle, sheep, goats, and camels), are taken to different locations in order to find fresh pastures. It is commonly practiced in regions with little arable land, typically in the developing world. Of the estimated 30–40 million nomadic pastoralists worldwide, most are found in central Asia and the Sahel region of West Africa. Increasing numbers of stock may lead to overgrazing of the area and desertification if lands are not allowed to fully recover between one grazing period and the next. Increased enclosure of land has reduced the amount of land available for this practice.
Nomadic pastoralism was a result of the Neolithic Revolution. During the revolution, humans began domesticating animals and plants for food and started forming cities. Nomadism generally has existed in symbiosis with such settled cultures trading animal products (meat, hides, wool, cheeses and other animal products) for manufactured items not produced by the nomadic herders.
Historically nomadic herder lifestyles has led to warrior based cultures, that have made them fearsome enemies of settled people. Tribal confederations built by charismatic nomadic leaders have sometimes held sway over huge areas as incipient state structures, whose stability is dependent upon the distribution of taxes, tribute and plunder taken from settled populations.<Lerro, Bruce (2006) "Power in Eden: the emergence of gender hierarchies in the ancient world" (Trafford)</ref>