Why could livestock loss affect poor Maasai families more harshly than wealthy families?

Because they had fewer animals and resources to withstand crisis

Livestock was the main source of food, wealth, and security for Maasai families. Families with many animals could lose some cattle and still keep enough animals to live, exchange, or rebuild their herd. Poor families usually owned fewer animals and had fewer savings or other resources. Therefore, the same drought, disease, or livestock loss could push them into hunger and deeper poverty much more quickly.

Option A is correct because it identifies this unequal ability to face a crisis. The question is about differences within the Maasai community, not about all families being affected equally. Options B, C, and D contradict the basic role of livestock in Maasai life. A useful answer connects livestock ownership with economic security and recovery after loss.

This is a Class 9 History question. Chapter: Pastoralists in the Modern World. Topic: Pastoralism in Africa.