A boma is a term borrowed from the Swahili language and is traditionally known as an enclosure, stockade, or fence used by people in many parts of Africa to protect their livestock. It is particularly associated with community decision making and is used by many pastoralist communities in Africa who rely on livestock like cattle for their livelihoods. Bomas are an important means of protecting their animals from predators such as lions, leopards, and hyenas. In addition to providing protection, bomas also serve as a gathering place for people to socialize and conduct community business. Among the Maasai people, a boma is a homestead containing several hand-built huts for each family member.
The design and construction of bomas vary depending on the region and the specific needs of the community. Some boma shelters are temporary, while others are more permanent structures. They may be built with locally available materials, such as branches, sticks, or thorns, or with more modern materials like wire or metal fencing. In some cases, bomas may be used in conjunction with other forms of protection, such as watchtowers or guard dogs.
Bomas can also be used for wildlife conservation. For example, they can be used to settle and habituate certain animals to their new home or to rehabilitate sick, injured, or orphaned animals for a short period of time to get these animals back to their natural state. Bomas can also be used as a holding facility for animals that have been caught and need to be relocated to another reserve until the logistics and future plans for that animal are in order. Bomas can also be used to bond unrelated male and female groups to establish new African Wild Dog packs.
In some cases, a boma can also refer to a livestock enclosure or corral.
