Role of Livelihoods Strategies on Poverty Alleviation in Darfur - Sudan: A Case of Displaced Rural Family

Abstract

The livelihood strategies are vital issue in all over the world particularly Sudan and Africa. This study was carried out to analyze the livelihoods strategies of the displaced people in El Fashir Locality, North Darfur State – Sudan, more specifically are to: investigated the socioeconomic characteristics of displaced people and determine their livelihood- strategies. The study hypothesized that; there is no differences between livelihood strategies and poverty situation for the IDPs before and after displacement. Both primary and secondary data were used in the study. Random sampling technique was used to collect data form 100 households respondents in Alsalam Camp by means of questionnaire. Secondary data were obtained from the related institutions sources, previous studies, books...etc. Descriptive statistics, poverty measures analysis and Paired T test were used in the study. Results revealed that, the majority of the IDPS are in economically age active group, married with extended families and had low educational level. It is also revealed that, the livelihood strategies of the IDPS has been totally changed; their income sources changed towards laborer works and relatives assistances instead of agriculture and livestock, their expenditures goes for transportation and cloths instead of agricultural and livestock inputs, their meals became twice a day instead of three times, farm activities adjusted towards increasing the areas of cash crops. All poverty indicators revealed that IDPS were in a critical poverty situation, but was worse after displacement. The study stressed on the importance of integrating the IDPS in their surrounding societies first, and then encourages them to returns to their origin. Encouragement could be done through provision of subsidized inputs, necessary services and technical support.