Dawn Herders

Night falls on the Omo Valley, chasing the last embers of the setting sun as a herd of goats stamps plumes of dust into the air. Silhouetted against the fading light, the Karo shepherds keep each animal from straying too far from the protective range of their rifles. To the Karo people, goats and other livestock are incredibly valuable and a foundational part of their culture. In times of brutal drought or when flood waters sweep away crops, goats can be herded to safety. It was clear to me they cherished their animals and their relationship provided much-needed insurance against the challenges of an unpredictable environment.