Maasai people turning to cultivation or trade indicates which deeper change?

Correct answer: Pressure on pastoral economy and livelihood diversification

The direct answer is Option A: Maasai movement towards cultivation or trade shows pressure on pastoral livelihood and diversification of income sources. Pastoralism depends on access to grazing land, water and healthy cattle. Colonial boundaries, reserves, droughts and other changes could make exclusive dependence on cattle risky. Step by step: first, grazing resources become restricted or uncertain; second, cattle-based income becomes less secure; third, families seek cultivation, trade or other work; fourth, this is adaptation, not proof that cattle have become completely unimportant. Option A is correct because it explains both the pressure and the practical response. Option B is wrong because cattle remained economically and socially important to Maasai life. Option C is wrong because turning to other work does not mean drought ended; drought could be one reason for insecurity. Option D is wrong because colonial land control was not removed; restrictions often remained or became stronger. Exam cue: a change in occupation often signals livelihood diversification under pressure.