Articles
Maasai Pastoralists: Practices, Culture, and Role in Tanzanian Society
summary by Lee Swan
Pastoralism has been for centuries an important component of living for multiple tribal groups in Africa, particularly for the Maasai. Historically tied to a nomadic life, pastoralism is changing. It is also in jeopardy, both as a cultural practice and as a way of sustaining a livelihood. This is especially true in Tanzania. Some form of agricultural production involves about 90 percent of its population. Contrary to popular belief, pastoralists are an important component of that production.
Combating Hunger Among Pastoralists
By Erwin Kinsey
This article summarizes research by Savannas Forever, conducted on behalf of Canadian Foodgrains Bank and Global Service Corps. Findings are shared with permission from Susan James, Director of Savannas Forever.
Intervention Descriptions for Food Security in Pastoral Communities
The following nine options can be searched on our website for more details as interventions. They are deemed by ECHO East Africa staff to be among the most impactful ways to sustainably alleviate hunger and the drudgery of rural pastoralist lives.
Ferrocement Grain storage
Faith Juma
The quality and amount of food that will be consumed by consumers are determined by post-harvest handling, which is a critical step in the food supply chain. If not managed properly, it causes substantial food loss and compromises food security. Innovative strategies like ferrocement grain stores give hope as the world struggles with food insecurity, which is already a significant issue.
Impact assessment of perennial vegetable training on attendees at hospitals and clinics
Sophia Kasubi
Between January – February 2023 an impact assessment was made to try to determine whether ECHO East Africa’s initiative to train hundreds of clinic attendees at mother and child health clinics was an effective way to promote perennial vegetables and introduce them into the diets of participants. The survey involved those who took their children to clinics. A sample of 194 respondents from the two Maasai districts was interviewed by mobile phone using the same questionnaire.