Question

The colonial government imposed several measures on Maasai land. However, not all pastoralists were equally affected. Justify the above statement.

Answer 1

Instructions:

There should be at least 3 points here.

• Start with measures Introduced by the colonial government.
• Talk about Chiefs of different sub-groups of Maasai were appointed.
• Talk about Impact on society.
• Talk about Maasai society consisted of Elders and Warriors.
• Talk about Traditional authority was disturbed.
• Talk about a new distinction between rich and poor pastoralists.
• Talk about Rich pastoralists were able to do well during tough times.

Solution:

• The Maasai society consisted of elders and warriors. The elders took decisions for the Maasai community and warriors protected it. The colonial government introduced various measures that impacted the pastoralists. Due to the appointment of chiefs from the Maasai community by the colonial government, the traditional authority of elders and warriors was disrupted. The chiefs had fixed sources of income and they lived in towns and cities. They fared well during times of war and drought. On the other hand, the poor pastoralists were dependent on only their livestock. During times of drought and war, they lost everything. Thus, not all pastoralists were equally affected.