suurtete

Suurtete is a term referring to a traditional method of nomadic herding practiced by the Mursi people, a pastoralist ethnic group native to the Omo National Park in southwestern Ethiopia.

In the Western lowlands of the Omo River, the Mursi people have been known to migrate seasonally to seek grazing lands for their livestock. This centuries-old tradition, known as suurtete, continues to be observed by the modern-day Mursi population. The word'suurtete' itself is derived from the Mursi language and roughly translates to "going out" or "leaving the place".

It is crucial to note that the practice of suurtete allows the Mursi people to exploit varying areas of the region, often determined by the season, the growth of vegetation, and the changing availability of water. This cyclical migration, observed over generations, reflects the vast knowledge and adaptability demonstrated by the Mursi people in adapting their livestock to the diverse ecosystems found within their native Omo valley.

Traditionally, Mursi people adopt a 'deciduous' migratory approach, often moving to neighboring regions with underutilized resources. The large-scale movement of Mursi people with their livestock has significant implications for local ecosystems, land use, and resource utilization. As the Omo valley faces growing scrutiny from preservationists, human rights advocates, and local communities, the long-standing practices of suurtete have come to be viewed as a pivotal cultural and ecological aspect, highlighting the delicate balance between human activity and native land sustenance.