Routledge Handbook of Pastoralism

By: Mark Moritz (Editor), Igshaan Samuels (Editor), Nikolaus Schareika (Editor), Eva Schlecht (Editor)

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eText | 14 May 2026 | Edition Number 1

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This handbook provides a comprehensive and authoritative overview of pastoralism, combining major theoretical debates with an interdisciplinary and comparative perspective on pastoral systems across the world.

Approaching pastoralism as a social-ecological system, this volume synthesizes current knowledge about how pastoralists make a living and organize social life while managing herds in diverse and often highly variable environments. Understanding pastoralism in this holistic way requires an approach that bridges disciplines: not only anthropology but also rangeland ecology, animal science, agricultural economics, veterinary epidemiology, and related fields. This handbook's chapters are organized into eight parts that examine the emergence of pastoralism; its biophysical foundations; the economics of pastoral production; adaptive strategies; social and political organization; new methodological and analytical approaches; development and policy perspectives; and possible futures for pastoral systems. Together, these contributions advance the field by offering both a state-of-the-art guide and a source of inspiration for future research. This volume is designed to serve as a reference for scholars seeking to launch innovative, impactful studies, as well as for policymakers and practitioners working to design effective interventions that support pastoral livelihoods.

This handbook is an indispensable resource on pastoralism for students, researchers, and professionals.