What differentiates pastoralism from agriculture?

Pastoralism is primarily characterized by its focus on the herding and management of livestock, which is the essence of this subsistence strategy. Unlike agriculture, which involves the cultivation of crops and the growing of food through farming techniques, pastoralism emphasizes the raising, breeding, and movement of animals to meet the nutritional needs of a community.

Pastoral societies often rely on their animals for food, clothing, and shelter, engaging in practices that allow them to effectively manage their herds based on seasonal changes and ecological conditions. This reliance on livestock rather than cultivated crops is what distinctly classifies pastoralism, making it different from agricultural societies that depend heavily on plant-based food production.

Understanding this distinction highlights the varying ways communities adapt to their environments and utilize resources, which is crucial when studying human societies and their development throughout history.