Social structure and clan group networks of Afar pastorals along the Lower Awash Valley

Rapid urbanization in Africa significantly impacts rural areas and small cities, leading to conflicts and increasing segregation between urban and rural spaces. This process weakens rural demographic structures and threatens indigenous knowledge and societal interaction mechanisms. Pastoral societies, often marginalized, face challenges due to population growth, resource competition, and government interventions. While previous studies have focused on specific aspects of Afar society (marriage practices, ethnicity, resource competition, etc.), this study addresses a knowledge gap by exploring the social structure and clan network ties in enhancing social relationships among Afar pastoralists in the Lower Awash Valley. The study area, Awsi-Rasu, is characterized by a mix of small cities, urbanization, and various service facilities. Afar society has both administrative (sultan, clan, youth groups) and social (nuclear family, extended family, sub-clan) hierarchies. This research aims to explore the continuity and changes in social relationships, clan network ties, and social structure among these pastoralists.

Existing literature on social networks often focuses on urban or organizational levels. This study contributes by emphasizing the importance of social networking in rural, small-scale societies. It adds to the existing body of knowledge in various fields, including sociology, cultural studies, anthropology, social work, and indigenous knowledge studies. The study also addresses previous research limitations by employing diverse methodologies to understand pastoralists' perspectives and refutes misconceptions about their sociocultural practices. The study highlights the significance of social networking in rural communities, specifically in facilitating social interactions among members at the individual and group levels within the social structure.

This qualitative study employed a descriptive design and purposive sampling to select the study area (Awsi-Rasu) and participants. Data collection involved key informant interviews (KIIs) with various stakeholders (district officials, youth, women, religious leaders, experts, community members), focus group discussions (FGDs) with clan groups, and situational observations. A total of 96 participants were involved in three rounds of fieldwork. KIIs (22 interviews) were conducted using open-ended questions in Amharic and Afar, translated into English. FGDs (6 sessions, 8-12 participants each) were also conducted in Amharic and Afar. Situational observations included participating in and observing various cultural practices. Thematic analysis was used to interpret the data.

The study found that the Afar social structure is hierarchical, with clans (Kedoo/Meela) as the highest and most territorially localized social units. Clan territory (dinto) is relatively fixed, though seasonal mobility to other clan territories occurs with permission. While clan groups differ in size and resources, they share common characteristics and maintain interconnectedness. Each social unit (family, extended family, sub-clan, clan) has a designated leader ('Abba'). Customary law (Maa'da) is a crucial system of governance, with consistent practices across clan groups. Clan leadership is largely hereditary, with decision-making involving a council of leaders and elders. The Fiimma, an age-based youth group, plays a significant role in community activities, including maintaining peace and security, and protecting the environment. Traditional communication (dagu) is vital for social cohesion and information exchange. Several forms of social networking (Aallaa, Onee Oree, Negeltinu, Affehina, Tehaluf) facilitate social relationships and economic reciprocity. The study also identified challenges impacting the social structure, including limited resources, drought, urbanization, and state border divisions. These factors have led to a decline in traditional norms and mutual trust.

The findings highlight the intricate interplay of customary law, traditional communication, and social networks in maintaining social cohesion and resource management among Afar pastoralists. The hierarchical social structure ensures effective governance and resource distribution. Traditional communication systems facilitate information dissemination and mutual support. Social networks strengthen social bonds and provide safety nets in challenging times. However, the pressures of urbanization, resource scarcity, and state interventions threaten the stability of this traditional system. The study's findings offer valuable insights into the dynamics of social organization in pastoral communities, emphasizing the need for context-specific approaches to development and policy interventions.

This study provides a comprehensive understanding of the social structure and clan group networks of Afar pastoralists. The findings underscore the importance of traditional institutions in maintaining social order and managing resources. The challenges faced by these communities highlight the need for policies that support both modernization and the preservation of indigenous cultural practices. Future research could explore the long-term impacts of urbanization and climate change on the Afar social structure and the effectiveness of different interventions to support their sociocultural well-being.

The study's reliance on qualitative methods limits the generalizability of the findings. The study area's geographic focus might not represent the diversity within the broader Afar population. The potential for bias in purposive sampling should also be acknowledged. Future studies using mixed methods and a wider geographic scope are recommended to address these limitations.