Cattle clashes: The case of Tanzania {part one}

Summary:

Conflict of interests between sedentary agriculturalists and nomadic pastoralists is a common cause of violent clashes in many places around the world - but not the rule.

In many cases the two ways of securing livelihoods may be complementary and to mutual advantage (cattle, as an example, provide free fertilizer).

Problems arise when drought, intensification of agriculture, or overly large herds cross the line of sustainability for both ways of livelihood.

In Tanzania, there is a decade-old conflict between Maasai pastoralists and farmers. In December 2000, violent clashes left 31 people dead.