Conflict usually seems to have only negative dimension, but it is recognized that conflict may also have a positive dimension and is an essential part of the process of social change (Goodhand 2001). The aim of this paper is to explore the effect of a situation of civil war on the livelihoods of the Nuba people in Heiban town.
Nuba people are inhabitants of the Nuba Mountain Region of Sudan. They are perceived by the international community as one of the most marginalized minorities in the country. The Nuba people have been suffering the consequences of economic marginalization through exploitation of their regional resources since before the colonial era. During the more recent civil war, however, the Nuba people have fought the Government of the Sudan alongside the Sudan People Liberation Army. The war which started as a conflict regarding access and control over resources, has with time mainly been interpreted with reference to tribal distinctions, religious differences and questions of power sharing ? an interpretation which seems to create further mistrust among the Nuba population who associated themselves with different tribal origins, languages, as well as moral systems and worldviews.
During the time of warfare, the town as well as the locality was divided both in geographical and population terms, between the two warring parties. Moreover, the war has imposed significant cost upon the civilian population, who were either forced to flee their homes and community or had to stay and suffer the severe situation characterized by death, enmity and mutual mistrust. Still, even though conflicts are usually associated with negative consequences, people have also been able to transform some aspects of their livelihood situation for the better. Thus, despite the severity of the situation, it is possible to identify some improvements in the livelihood situation of the inhabitants of Heiban town. One may ask, if it is the war situation itself that has made possible for instance improved education opportunities for people of both genders; acquirement of new skills; as well as the emergence of new livelihoods strategies; or perhaps, whether already existing dynamics and capabilities within the society has been brought to the foreground when established authority structures are dismantled as a consequence of the war?
