The social organization of resource exploitation

Dyson-Hudson, Neville; Dyson-Hudson, Rada

essay

The social organization of resource exploitation

turkana herders of the dry savanna : ecology and biobehavioral response of nomads to an uncertain environment • Oxford • Published In 1999 • Pages: 68-86

By: Dyson-Hudson, Neville, Dyson-Hudson, Rada.

Abstract
This document discusses the social organization of resource exploitation among the Turkana which is characterized by astonishing flexibility to adaptively cope with unpredictably varying environmental conditions. The document identifies three major reasons that led to this flexibility and flux. One is the mobility and divisibility of livestock herds, which are virtually the only economic resource of Turkana pastoralists. A second reason is the environment knowledge of herders, gained through years of experience. A third reason concerns the willingness of Turkana pastoralists to endure the physical hardships which this way of life requires.

Environmental quality

Functional and adaptational interpretations

Cultural participation

Diet

Exchange transactions

Labor supply and employment

Collecting

Property in movables