Livelihood Diversification through Migration among a Pastoral People: Contrasting Case Studies of Maasai in Northern Tanzania

Migration among Maasai pastoralists in northern Tanzania is shifting from an economic necessity to a cultural norm, with significant implications for herd expansion, agricultural practices, and political leadership. This study, spanning over two decades of research, contrasts migration patterns between the Ngorongoro Conservation Area and the Simanjiro plains, revealing how wealth influences mobility within this ethnic group. The findings underscore that migration is not merely a response to economic pressures but has become deeply embedded in Maasai social structures, driving both livelihood diversification and broader community changes.

McCabe, J. T., Smith, N. M., Leslie, P. W., & Telligman, A. L. (2014). Livelihood Diversification through Migration among a Pastoral People: Contrasting Case Studies of Maasai in Northern Tanzania. Human Organization, 73(4), 389–400. https://doi.org/10.17730/humo.73.4.vkr10nhr65g18400