ABSTRACT
The conditions of pasturing, the main subject discussed in this chapter, may explain to some extent why some Bedouin flocks do not roam outside the territorial bounds of the tribe, while others do so during most of the year. At the beginning of May Ulad Hamza hired a combine and reaped the crops on 150 of the 200 dunams in the first section close to the family homes. Among the nomads of southern Sudan children from the age of eight take care of the flock, the women helping in this work in the vicinity of the tents. Both the women and girls exchange miscellaneous information about match-making and engage in other gossip. The girls learn from each other Bedouin songs, and practise zagharout , the trilling that accompanies joyful occasions. There must also be co-operation between flock owners themselves, and between them and others’ shepherds, feed suppliers, government officials etc.
