Livelihoods, migration and conflict: discussion of findings from two studies in W. and N. Darfur

In conflict zones where displacement and insecurity undermine people’s ability to pursue livelihoods, links with Diaspora and the remittances they send are an important source of support. This briefing paper discusses findings from a study conducted in Darfur and explores the changing role of migration and remittances in people’s livelihoods.

The paper looks at two case studies in West and North Darfur where livelihoods systems are closely linked with migration. Rural production systems are predominantly based on sedentary cultivation but households often diversify their livelihood strategies to exploit opportunities within the region and neighbouring countries. These strategies include trade, seasonal employment, and longer term labour opportunities linked with remittance transfer. The conflict has had a huge impact on migration and mobility, restricting and blocking physical movement of people and livestock with negative consequences for livelihood strategies.

This report finds that:

• IDPs livelihood strategies are now caught in transitional mode and encompass different approaches

• IDPs semi-urbanised livelihood approaches tend to be inadequate, insecure and maladaptive and do not produce sufficient food or income

• the international humanitarian community's presence generates distorting impacts on both the IDP livelihood strategies and the processes of urbanisation, economic growth and environmental change.

With regard to remittance, the study suggests that whilst the 2003 conflict was devastating for money transfers, the local systems are now beginning to adapt, particularly in growing urban areas.