We all look at the world through our own cultural lenses. From my time elsewhere I found that although we value individual initiative and problem solving, many other cultures do not, and this extends also to some of the inner-city facilities here I’ve worked in. The main thing for many people, in order to survive, is to fit in and not make anyone angry by challenging the status quo.
Regarding the cattle in the middle of the town, I would expect that would be to repel predators or discourage thieves.
Regarding the cattle in the middle of the town, I would expect that would be to repel predators or discourage thieves.
You are correct. The Corral/Kraal/Boma is located to protect the cattle from rustlers, raiders & thieves and, in some areas, lions, leopards, wild dogs & hyenas.
As to the flies, they come with the herds. I detest flies and the diseases which they carry. However, when the herds are nearby, the flies are so thick and persistent that after a few hours (or less) your arm is about to fall off from the fatigue of continually swatting then away from your face.
Finally, some of the indolence is cultural. However, a good portion is due to poor health. If you have ever had Amoeba, Giardia, or any of the other debilitating parasites endemic to the region then you realized that most people do not have the energy nor the caloric surpluses that we in the '1st World' have.