How do the Maasai traditionally make their living?

The Maasai are traditionally nomadic pastoralists who subsist almost entirely on the meat, blood, and milk of their livestock herds. Their way of life is defined by a deep commitment to their animals, which serve as their primary source of wealth and are essential for social transactions, such as the payment of bride-price.12

As nomadic people, the Maasai move in bands throughout the year, following cyclical routes to ensure their herds have access to necessary forage and water. Historically, their society has been organized around a system of age-sets, where young men known as morans live in isolation to develop the strength and courage required to protect their communities and herds. While they have traditionally focused on pastoralism, modern government initiatives in Kenya and Tanzania are increasingly encouraging the transition toward permanent agricultural settlements and formal education.12