Consumption and marketing of pastoral products among the Kal Tamacheq in the Niger Bend, Mali

英语. The Kal Tamacheq occupy northern and western Mali. They have built up large herds that enable them to be completely self-sufficient. They raise mainly horned cattle, sheep, goats, and camels. Their animals are a source of meat for feast days, leather, skins for domestic uses, and milk. As raising of livestock is the sole commercial activity of the Kal Tamacheq, it is important that they derive the greatest possible profit from it. As long as trade remains disorganized, as it is at present, herders will be at the mercy of speculators. Today, most of their income is derived solely from their stock on the hoof. It is important, therefore, that herders be aware that pastoral by-products, especially butter, cheese, and skins, also constitute a major source of income.

法语. Les Kel Tamacheq occupent la partie septentrionale et occidentale du Mali. Ils ont constitue un betail important qui leur permet de vivre en parfaite independance. Ils elevent essentiellement des bovins, des ovins, des caprins et des camelins. Le betail leur procure la viande les jours fastes, les cuirs, les peaux pour ses usages domestiques et le lait. Comme l'elevage constitue la seule activite des Kel Tamacheq, il est important qu'ils en tirent le profit maximum. Tant que le commerce se fait d'une maniere anarchique, comme c'est le cas actuellement, le pasteur sera a la merci de la speculation. De nos jours, seul le betail vivant lui assure la majorite de ses revenus. Il importe donc qu'il sache que les produits de ce betail constituent un gros capital, surtout le beurre, les fromages et les peaux.