Simultaneous Scarcity and Eroding Social Capital: Reciprocity under Drought among Maasai Pastoralists

Reciprocal resource sharing and collective action have historically enabled pastoral communities to cope with drought. However, when drought affects entire communities simultaneously, the material basis for reciprocity collapses. This paper examines how recurrent drought erodes social capital among Maasai pastoralists in Monduli District, northern Tanzania. Drawing on a qualitative case study involving 38 in-depth interviews, 8 focus group discussions, 7 key informant interviews, and participant observation, the study reveals a central paradox: households remain committed to mutual support and cultural norms of reciprocity, yet widespread resource scarcity severely constrains their ability to assist others. This dynamic reveals the limits of traditional coping mechanisms under synchronous shocks. Rotational grazing systems and osotua partnerships persist but operate under increasing strain, while wealthier households maintain stronger reciprocal networks than poorer ones. The findings demonstrate that the erosion of reciprocity is driven primarily by simultaneous scarcity, material constraints rather than cultural decline. This study extends Social Capital Theory and Collective Action Theory by highlighting the limits of cooperation when shocks are widespread and synchronous. It concludes that effective drought adaptation policies must strengthen social institutions alongside technical interventions to build genuine resilience in dryland pastoral systems. Keywords: Drought, Social Capital, Reciprocity, Simultaneous Scarcity, Pastoralism, Maasai, Tanzania.