Effect of Armed Conflicts on Household Food Security In West Darfur State- Sudan

Abstract

This study was conducted to examine the effect of armed conflict on household food security at returnee's areas, in West Darfur State, Beida locality in particularly village of Merim-Ta which faced armed conflict since 2003, people displaced and returned back to their villages 2008. The study attempted to analyze the basic resources for food of returnee, identify the role of rural women'sheaded household in food security and identify the effect of conflict on Food availability, Food accessibility for those people. The data were collected through primary and secondary, focus group discussion, and critical observation this means qualitative, and quantitative data were collected from respondents by social surveys.Simple random sampling was used to select 110 respondent male and female (headed household) from the totalpopulation of the study area (1058) headed household who affected by conflict, displacedand returned to their villages.The primary data was collected by the questionnaire, critical observation and focus group discussion. This means quantities and qualitative data were collected from the respondents by social survey approach, secondary data were collected from books, previous related studies and internet. The collected data tabulated and analyzed using Statistical Package of Social Science (SPSS). The study revealed many results, the most important are: - 68.3 % they living in camps in Chad Country as refugees along time then returned back due to lack of income and inadequate food. - Most of respondent are women's 67.3% in active or productive age (youth). - 63.3% of respondent are illiterate. - Domestic agriculturalproductions isthe main source of food supplies. - Armed conflict had distractive effect on their agricultural production resources. The study concluded that conflict have negative impact on household food security and livelihood of returnees people particularly women headed household.Based on the findings the research recommend the following: To the government, community leadership and communities: 1- Improve the security situation through peace building, peace culture to make strong relationship between different tribes to return back as one community and live together in peaceful as before conflict. 2- Government institution and United Nation (UN) agencies must assist the rehabilitation construction (schools, health centers, water point and roads) and livelihood activities. 3- To raise the educational level of women and increase their awareness. 4- Support the natural resources management system.