As part of his doctoral studies at IDS, Charles Lane (DP90) had the privilege of of living with the Barabaig, a group of nomadic cattle herders in north central Tanzania. This was the beginning of a life-long relationship that has influenced his own life and his new book elaborates on that extraordinary experience.

In his story, for the first time ever, he explains why the Barabaig had a propensity to steal cattle and practice ‘ritual murder’. In response to the many challenges faced by the Barabaig, Charles helped them mount a legal case against the loss of their lands, and conducted an international campaign in defence of their human rights. This book, photographed by the author, provides a fascinating anthropological account and visual feast. This rich culture is now under threat, making this book an invaluable record, and helps inform us on the way in which hitherto sustainable traditional cultures have struggled to adapt to an imposed new world.

You can read Charles' original dissertation, "Alienation of Barabaig Pasture Land: Policy Implications for Pastoral Development in Tanzania", by downloading it here, and if you are interested in knowing more about the new book you can find "Barabaig - Life, Love and Death on Tanzania’s Hanang Plains" in all good bookshops or online here.

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