Pastoral Identity and Reluctance to Change: the Mbanderu of Ngamiland

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Abstract
In a recent book on the economics of pastoralism in Africa, Konczacki argues that “the present pattern of land use” by pastoralists, “results in the over-exploitation of pastures and precludes the application of rational methods of range movement”. He applies his argument to sub-Sahara Africa in general and maintains that an improvement in the pastoral sector is possible only if the damaging results of “mismanagement” can be prevented and “a scientifically controlled approach” to range management can be introduced. Konczacki is aware that pastoral societies are slow to change and even oppose changes which are imposed upon them, but despite this he claims that “socio-psychological traits alone cannot provide sufficient explanation of their resistance to change”. It is true that a rapid growth of livestock population may lead to an over-exploitation of grazing grounds, and thus will focus the attention of government officials and planners on patterns of land use, so that a policy and a number of measures become necessary to prevent a deterioration of pastures. However, one gets the impression from Konczacki's argument that the existing land tenure system of pastoralists poses a problem at a merely technical level (of “mismanagement”) which can be separated from the “socio-psychological traits” of pastoralists, and solved if the people are only shown how to manage livestock properly and “wisely”. Nor is Konczacki alone in his technical and split view of pastoralists.

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