How did colonial borders change traditional Maasai movement?

Correct answer: They obstructed old routes through administrative borders

The direct answer is D: colonial borders obstructed old routes through administrative boundaries. Maasai pastoralism depended on seasonal movement between grazing areas and water sources. Colonial powers divided territory into administrative units and could mark borders between colonies, reserves, settler areas and protected regions. A route that had once been used according to rainfall and pasture conditions could therefore require permission or become unavailable. This made access to distant grazing land and water more difficult and reduced flexibility during drought. Option D is correct because it explains the actual effect of borders on movement. Option A is wrong because routes were not freely opened without permission; restrictions often increased. Option B is wrong because pastoralism did not completely disappear, although it was constrained. Option C is wrong because drawing borders cannot make rainfall stable. The important chain is: border creation, restricted movement, less access to pasture and water, greater livelihood pressure. Memory cue: colonial border means blocked route, not free movement.