Concept:
• Nomadic herding is one of the oldest forms of subsistence agriculture.
• It is practised mainly in regions having scarce rainfall, sparse vegetation and poor agricultural conditions.
• Herders move continuously with their animals in search of fresh pastures and water.
• The type of livestock depends upon the climatic conditions and natural vegetation of the region.
Step 1: Understand the nature of nomadic herding.
Nomadic herding does not involve permanent settlements.
Instead, herders migrate seasonally with their livestock from one grazing ground to another.
Step 2: Identify its important characteristics.
The main characteristics are:
• Seasonal movement of herders along with their livestock.
• Dependence on natural pastures and water availability.
• Practised mainly in arid, semi-arid, mountainous and tundra regions.
• Livestock includes sheep, goats, camels, yaks, horses and reindeer depending on the region.
Step 3: Write the final answer.
Answer:
The main characteristic of nomadic herding is the seasonal movement of herders with their livestock from one place to another in search of fresh pastures and water. It is practised in regions where climatic conditions are unsuitable for settled agriculture, and the type of animals reared depends upon the local climate and vegetation.