Why could access to water sources become a matter of survival for African pastoralists?

Correct answer: Both animals and families depended on water

The direct answer is A: both animals and families depended on water. Pastoralists need water every day for drinking, and their animals need it to remain healthy, produce milk and survive. If access to a river, well, lake or seasonal water source is blocked, the herd may weaken or die and the family may also face immediate danger. The reasoning is: no water means unhealthy animals; unhealthy or dead animals mean loss of food, income and transport; people themselves also cannot live without water. Option A is correct because it covers both parts of the pastoral household. Option B is wrong because water was not needed only by ships. Option C is wrong because water generally supports life and grazing rather than ending grazing. Option D is plainly wrong because animals require water. Memory cue: for pastoralists, water is as essential as pasture.