Kuchian (Nomads)

For centuries, Pashtun and some Baluch tribespeople who migrate from one place to another are called Kuchian (Nomads). Kuchian means “those who move”. A man is called Kuchai and woman is Kuchei. They migrated across parts of Afghanistan semi-annually with their caravans of camels, sheep, goats and donkeys, so that the food is always available for them and for their animals. Living in Keagdai (tent) and moving their belongings on the back of camels and donkeys, they travel long distances relaying news, transporting animals and goods and trading. Traditionally, they lived by selling young animals, dairy products, wool, sheepskins, meat, or exchanging those goods, for clothes, wheat grain, vegetables, fruits, and other foodstuffs. They play an important role in the national economy in terms of meat, skins and wool. Men and boys herd large animals, while women do the milking and make butter and curds. Kuchian ignore international boundaries.

In 1892, King Abdul Rahman granted Kuchian grazing rights in the Hazarajat and also moved Kuchian into northern areas populated by Tajiks and Uzbeks, a move which resulted in ethnic strain. Many Kuchian have fled southward from the ethnic cleansing being carried out in the North by U.S-allied warlords, Generals Rashid Dostum and Mohammad Atta.

The Kuchian lifestyle has been affected both by long-term changes associated with "modernization" and by shocking short-term events like wars of the 80s, 90s and today. Their population was estimated at 2 - 2.5 million in the 60s, 70s and early 80s, but has shrunk to 1.3 - 1.5 million today according to a recent study by the UN's World Food Program. Roads, drought, landmines, Russian bombing, U.S. cluster bombs, and war-related impoverishment have all played a role in this halving of the Kuchian population.