agropastoralism

noun

ag·​ro·​pas·​to·​ral·​ism ¦a-(ˌ)grō-¦pa-st(ə-)rə-ˌli-zəm 

: a way of life or a form of social organization based on the growing of crops and the raising of livestock as the primary means of economic activity

Agropastoralism in these agriculturally marginal environments demanded a regular exchange of livestock for crops, especially during droughts.

—N. Thomas Hakansson, Ethnology, Summer 1998

agropastoralist

¦a-(ˌ)grō-¦pa-st(ə-)rə-list 

adjective

… this article explores the sociocultural context of ritual violence in a small-scale agropastoralist society and its relation to social reproductive concerns.

—Jon G. Abbink, Ethnology, Summer 1999

agropastoralist noun

plural agropastoralists

They were agropastoralists who were good at raising cattle and sheep and who were able to utilize the minimal available water for growing wheat.

—Victor Mair, quoted by Karen Kaplan, Los Angeles Times, 28 Mar. 2010

Word History

First Known Use

1982, in the meaning defined above

The Ultimate Dictionary Awaits

Expand your vocabulary and dive deeper into language with Merriam-Webster Unabridged.

1. Expanded definitions
2. Detailed etymologies
3. Advanced search tools
4. All ad-free

Discover what makes Merriam-Webster Unabridged the essential choice for true word lovers.

Start Your Free Trial Now