Socio-economic condition of nomads: empirical evidence from selected districts of Balochistan

Abstract

This study aims to highlight the socio-economic issues of nomadic life. Naseerabad division of Balochistan province was selected as the locale of the study. The research employed qualitative method of social research; a sample of 31 respondents was chosen. Two focus group discussions comprising six members in each were conducted. Non-participant observation technique was also carried out for gaining in-depth understanding about the issue under study. The empirical and qualitative findings of the present study revealed that different nomadic communities reside in different parts of Balochistan province such as Baloch, Balti, Gujjar, Jat, Hindu and Kochi tribes. These communities do not possess any permanent settlement due to their typical life patterns. Due to temporary settlement, therefore, they do not have any permanent jobs or alternative works to do; they mostly rely on daily wages. They do not have any life facilities if available so can not avail these due to limited economic resources. Lastly, the study describes the socio-economic status of nomads, particularly of women, in Balochistan which is quite miserable and needs to be given proper attention by government to increase their living standards.