A synthesis of the literature on pastoralist societies, this book presents a discussion of their importance for African societies. It is aimed at the scholars and practitioners concerned with Africa's livestock keeping people.

This is an important and informative work by one of the acknowledged leaders in the field. Its synthesis of the literature on pastoralist societies presents a clear discussion of their importance for African societies. It will be widely read and used by scholars and practitioners concerned with Africa's livestock keeping people. It draws on some of the most current literature on pastoralist societies in Africa - highlighting both the similarities and differences between them.

Introduction
Origins &
emergence of pastoralism in Africa
Pastoralist environments, constraints &
strategies
Contemporary pastoralist systems
Pastoral livelihoods &
the pastoral economy
Biology of the herd
Pastoral food systems, diets &
nutrition
African pastoralist demography, by Sara Randall
Diversification, development &
change in pastoralist systems
The futures of African pastoralism
Bibliography.