Pastoral Nomadism

Pastoral Nomadism-India 

Pastoralism in India has long been restricted by government programs. Nevertheless, it continues to be prevalent, especially in the drylands of Western India and on the Deccan Plateau. Examples of livestock that are often herded include sheep, goats, camels, and ducks. There are many communities that are strictly vegetarian, but the consumption of meat can be found in this developing country as a means of survival and obtaining a balanced diet. Pastors use cyclic transhumance migration throughout the year. 

It was an amazing experience to travel to India and witness firsthand how committed nomadic groups are to their herds. The livestock is their livelihood. Not only do they depend on their animals for the minimal amount of income they do receive if they have a surplus, but their own lives often depend on the consumption or use of animal products produced by the herd. I was shocked at the uncertainty that the pastors experienced. They were utterly reliant upon climactic circumstances to provide water, in order to keep themselves and their herd alive. 

http://r4d.dfid.gov.uk/PDF/Outputs/ZC0181b.pdf