Answer to Question #129913 in History for Marno Plank

Question

What was the role of livestock (pastoral) farming in the economies of the early and late mixed farming communities of southern Africa during precolonial period?

Answer 1

 During the pre-colonial period, livestock farming played a significant role in the economy of the communities. For instance, it provided communities with a good source of protein food. The products such as milk and beef were consumed by m these communities. 

Livestock farming was also viewed as a source of labor in crop farming. In this case, some livestock such as bulls were used in the firm for plowing and transportation of farm products. This process enhanced a high level of productivity for the communities. Livestock farming was also a sign of wealth and prowess in the community, in which those individuals with many cattle were viewed as wealthy livestock like cattle also provided hides used as clothing and bedding