5.3.2. The Borders are Closed

In the nineteenth century, African pastoralists could move over vast areas in search of pastures. When the pastures were exhausted in one place they moved to a different area to graze their cattle. From the late nineteenth century, the colonial government began imposing various restrictions on their mobility.

Before colonial rule, African pastoralists roamed freely to ensure their cattle always had access to grazing areas. This nomadic lifestyle allowed them to adapt to the seasonal availability of pastures and water sources. However, with the onset of colonial governance in the late nineteenth century, various rules were instituted, confining these communities to specific territories. This dramatically altered their ability to move freely, which is essential for their pastoral way of life.

Think of a student who typically moves from class to class, using different spaces for different subjects. Now imagine if the school principal suddenly said they could only study in one classroom all year. This would limit their learning and prevent them from using resources available in other areas, similar to how colonial rules restricted pastoralists from accessing necessary grazing lands.

Like the Maasai, other pastoral groups were also forced to live within the confines of special reserves. The boundaries of these reserves became the limits within which they could now move. They were not allowed to move out with their stock without special permits. And it was difficult to get permits without trouble and harassment.

The colonial authorities created designated areas, or reserves, for pastoral communities. These reserves restricted the movement of pastoralists to specific regions. Pastoralists needed permits to leave their designated areas, but obtaining these permits often involved bureaucratic hurdles and harassment from officials. This further compounded their difficulties, as they could no longer follow traditional routes to find better pastures during dry seasons.

Imagine a farmer who is told they can only grow crops in a small plot of land, while previously they had access to a large field. They face additional checks and have to ask for permission every time they want to expand their farm or sell their harvest at a distant market. This restriction would significantly affect their livelihood and ability to adapt to changes, just like the pastoralists in reserves.

Pastoralists were also not allowed to enter the markets in white areas. In many regions, they were prohibited from participating in any form of trade. White settlers and European colonists saw pastoralists as dangerous and savage – people with whom all contact had to be minimised.

During colonial rule, many pastoralists were barred from engaging in trade with white settlers. This prohibition on entering certain markets severely limited their economic opportunities. Trade was crucial for pastoralists because they exchanged animal products for goods they needed, like grains, tools, or clothing. The colonial perception of pastoralists as untrustworthy or savage led to these restrictions, further impoverishing these communities.

It's like a talented artist living in a community where they are unable to sell their artwork because the local art gallery only accepts works from recognized artists or specific demographics, limiting their ability to earn a living and share their talent. Similarly, the pastoralists lost crucial markets for their goods.

The new territorial boundaries and restrictions imposed on them suddenly changed the lives of pastoralists. This adversely affected both their pastoral and trading activities. Earlier, pastoralists not only looked after animal herds but traded in various products. The restrictions under colonial rule did not entirely stop their trading activities but they were now subject to various restrictions.

Colonial policies disrupt the traditional lifestyles of pastoralists by limiting their movement and ability to trade. Previously, they could seamlessly integrate herding and trading, which supported their livelihoods. With the imposition of borders and restrictions, the pastoralists experienced a breakdown of their economic systems, leading to increased poverty and vulnerability.

Consider a local baker who, previously free to sell bread at markets, is suddenly confined to their bakery with no ability to deliver to customers. This limits their sales and affects their ability to earn a livelihood, mirroring how pastoralists faced similar disruptions in their traditional practices.

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