Nomads and the State in Africa: The Political Roots of Marginality (African Studies Centre Leiden)

This study of the nomadic peoples of Africa principally draws a distinction between "state forming" nomadic pastoralists, and those who lived in more decentralised structures who were more likely to become marginalized in the imposed colonial systems. In raising this issue the book also makes clear the distinction between nomadism and pastoralism and emphasises the dramatic differences and changes in ethno-cultural identity of individual groups. Besides suggesting a general comparative model for the study of these groups Victor Azarya also touches upon some current issues such as the effects of drought, contemporary ethnic strife, and the impact of tourism and wildlife preservation on local problems.