Question

In massai land elsewhere in africa not all pastoralist were equally affected by the changes in colonial period?

Answer 1

In Maasailand, as elsewhere in Africa, not all pastoralists were equally affected by the changes in the colonial period.

a. ​The Maasai society was divided into two social categories – elders and warriors. The elders formed the ruling group and the warriors were responsible for the protection of the tribe.The warriors were subjected to the authority of elders.

b. Colonial policies brought about changes in the social conditions and reshaped the relationships among the massai community members.

c. ​ The British appointed chiefs among the Massai's to administer their affairs who accumulated wealth.Many of them also became traders.

d. They had secured income which enabled them to face situations like war and droughts.They had both pastoral and non-pastoral income​.

e. In Massai land distinction occurred between the wealthy and poor pastoralist.

f. The wealthy made money by lending money to the poor pastoralist who needed cash. For poor, life was different and difficult, They had no resources to tide over worst time.They had to work in towns as wage labourers.

g. Thus, social condition and changes took place in the massai community with the new distinction between pastoralists.