pastoralism

[pas-ter-uh-liz-uhm, pah-ster-]

noun

1. the practice of herding as the primary economic activity of a society.

Word History and Origins

Origin of pastoralism¹

First recorded in 1850–55; pastoral + -ism

Example Sentences

The fluvial suspended sediment threatens the water quality downstream and thus the aquatic ecosystems, the river infrastructure such as hydropower plants and bridges as well as agriculture and pastoralism.

From Science Daily

Future work on the plateau will be vital to understanding how the human adoption of pastoralism and dairying reshaped Tibet's landscapes.

From Salon

These lands also have deep cultural significance based on their role in pastoralism or fire practices.

From Scientific American

It was third straight season of poor rains in eastern and northern Kenya, where pastoralism is a main source of income, according to the Famine Early Warning Systems Network, a U.S. government agency.

From Reuters

Somalia is home to the world’s largest camel population, and pastoralism of camels and other livestock provide livelihoods for 60% of the population, a 2019 U.S. government study found.

From Reuters