Introduction Pastoralists who inhabit the African arid and semi-arid lands (ASAL) are among the world’s poorest populations. They lack vital infrastructure in the form of accessible roads, electricity and telecommunications, leaving them increasingly isolated. Livestock holdings of cattle, camels, goats and sheep often comprise the bulk of their limited wealth and are an integral part of their ...

We present an agent-based model of human-environment interaction and conflict in East Africa using the MASON agent-based simulation environment. Our model focuses on the complex interaction of pastoral groups with their environment and other emerging external actors. Our model supports the observation that increased seasonal rainfall variability and droughts create tremendous stress on pastoral...

Traditional grazing grounds near Amboseli National Park (Kenya) are rapidly converted to cropland – a process that closes important wildlife corridors. We explore the scope for introducing a “payments for ecosystem services” scheme to compensate pastoralists for spillover benefits associated with forms of land use that are compatible with wildlife conservation. Our results indicate that such a ...

Late Bronze Age multiple human burials from Deh Dumen, Iran, were uncovered in the Zagros Mountains. Using cross-sectional geometry and histology, a sample (n = 23) of fragmented femora these was examined to test for possible adaptation transhumant pastoralism. Midshaft femur remodelling modelling characteristics across males, females age-at-death groups partly indicated sex-specific pastoralis...

Rift Valley fever (RVF) is a viral notifiable zoonotic disease primarily of domestic ruminants that causes significant socio-economic impacts. Using the 2006-07 outbreak cases, this study aimed to establish the socio-economic impact of RVF and assessing knowledge, attitude and practice of livestock keepers towards controlling RVF in selected areas of Tanzania. Data were collected in Arusha, Man...

indigenous knowledge of each land is the manner of understanding and attitude of people towards world that shows the outcome of ancestors' experiences for years on optimal utilization of resources around human beings. emphasis on technology transition and disregard for indigenous knowledge cause not only destroys the relationship between humans and the environment, but also causes disrupti...