Event Description
Cattle Herding
Water scarcity forces a local cattle farmer to seek greener pastures in a neighbouring region. There are contesting herders there, so he’ll pay you well for your assistance in driving and protecting the cattle.
You can make $60
Take the job?
In-game Effects
If the player takes the job, he will get $60 for the upcoming season. However, there will be a significant risk that one family member will die in a dispute with the contesting herders and be removed from the farm. If this happens, the player will be notified about it on the next annual report.
Cattle Herding from a Development Perspective
Cattle herding is a traditional livelihood in many developing countries, but it has also been a source of conflict and violence in some regions. This is because cattle are not just a source of food and income, but also a symbol of wealth, power, and prestige.
In some communities, cattle raids and thefts are common, often resulting in violent conflicts between different groups. This is particularly prevalent in regions where there are limited grazing lands and water resources. These conflicts can have devastating consequences for communities, including displacement, injury, and death.
Cattle herding has also been linked to the proliferation of small arms and light weapons, which are used in conflicts over cattle and other resources. This contributes to the cycle of violence and makes it difficult to resolve conflicts peacefully.
Some community-based conflict resolution mechanisms have been implemented to prevent conflicts due to cattle herding. One such example is the Peace and Development Committees (PDCs) in South Sudan. These committees are comprised of members from different communities and are responsible for promoting peaceful coexistence between different groups, including those involved in cattle herding.
The PDCs have helped to reduce violence and resolve conflicts through dialogue, mediation, and reconciliation. They also work to promote sustainable livelihoods and economic opportunities, which reduces the reliance on cattle herding as a source of income and reduces the pressure on natural resources.
There are also several international organizations that are addressing the issue of cattle-related conflicts. For example, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) works with governments and communities to promote sustainable development and conflict prevention. They support initiatives that promote alternative livelihoods, improve access to basic services, and strengthen community resilience.
The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) also works to address the challenges of cattle herding and conflicts over natural resources. They provide technical assistance and support to governments and communities to promote sustainable agriculture, livestock production, and natural resource management.
External Links
“How Nigeria’s cattle war is fuelling religious tension,” BBC, 2018:
“Why Kenya’s cattle raids are getting deadlier,” Aljazeera, 2016:
“The Mundari: The tribe dying for their cows,” by Thomas Page, for CNN, 2016: