What is a boma?

A boma is a traditional African livestock enclosure or pen, typically made of wooden poles or thorn bushes to keep animals safe and secure at night. The word "boma" comes from Swahili and is commonly used in East Africa to refer to these animal enclosures.

Bomas are commonly used by pastoralist communities to protect their livestock from predators such as lions or hyenas. The construction of a boma can vary depending on the region and materials available, but they are usually circular or oval in shape and have a low fence that is difficult for predators to penetrate.

In addition to protecting livestock, bomas can also be used to corral animals for milking or slaughter, or as a temporary holding area during roundups or other herd management activities.

Overall, bomas play an important role in the livelihoods of many African communities by providing a safe and secure space for their valuable livestock.