Economic conditions and their impact in social life in Darfur

Abstract

Over the past four decades, Darfur has experienced tragic conditions due to the effects of traditional subsistence economics. The intermediate variables, such as armed looting, tribal fighting, wars and rebellion, have had profound effects on the level of the two variables: The independent variable which is the economic, and the dependent one which is the social life. Accordingly, the living patterns, including agriculture, pastorals and forest products, were badly affected. Accordingly, the current study aimed to reveal the economic conditions and their effects resulting from those influences on Darfur society, both at the level of group relation, the repercussions of security  instability and its consequences and official interventions.

The most prominent findings of the study were the adherence of tribal groups to the customs and rules of land ownership (hawakeer) as being the most important assets and the basic element of their economic activities. New administrative methods appeared other than those previous traditional civil ones that worked on social control in the community. Staying in the camps and relying on subsidies would make the new generations lose the culture associated with the land, agriculture and grazing, and the transfer of experiences would practically stop. If their stay is prolonged, training and rehabilitation for life in their environment will have great social and economic cost.