Why was drought a major problem for the Maasai?

Correct answer: Because drought reduced grass and water

The direct answer is A: drought reduced grass and water. Pastoral animals survive only when they can find enough fodder and drinking water. A drought is a long period with very little or no rainfall. The reasoning is clear: little rain dries ponds and wells; grass and other plants grow less; animals become weak, produce less milk and may die; pastoral families then lose food, wealth and income. Option A is correct because it states the direct effect of drought on animals. Option B is wrong because sea ships are unrelated to the main problem of pastoral people and drought. Option C is wrong because gold is not the essential resource on which herds depend. Option D is the opposite of reality: drought does not increase fodder; it causes fodder shortage. Thus drought was especially dangerous for the Maasai because they depended heavily on livestock and seasonal grass and water. Exam cue: connect drought with less rain, less grass, less water and livestock loss.