What does it mean for a population to be nomadic?

A nomadic population is characterized by their pattern of regularly moving from one place to another, typically in search of resources such as food, water, and grazing land. This lifestyle is often essential for survival, especially in environments where resources are not consistently available in one location. Nomadic groups adapt to the movement of herds and the seasonal availability of plants and water sources, allowing them to follow the food source or climate variations.

In contrast to settling permanently, which refers to establishing a stable home or community in one location, nomadism involves a dynamic way of living that is responsive to environmental changes. Farming practices, which generally require a settled lifestyle with cultivation of land, are incompatible with the nomadic way of life. Similarly, while nomadic populations might engage in trade, trade itself is not a defining characteristic of nomadism—it’s their movement and resource-seeking behavior that defines them.