Gewane is a small place between the Asab-road and the Awash-river, in the north east of Ethiopia.
Afar are nomadic people but Gewane Afar stay in their village most of the time because in the sixties large state-owned farms were created at the banks and in the swamps of the river and Gewane Afar don't have to search for water.
The young people are employed at the farms, which are privatised, and the elders are busy discussing local politics or family-affairs.
A local committee is formed to take care that the relations between the farm managers and the Afar goes smoothly. These committee members get a salary and this way they also benefit from the activities of the farmers. Although for 30 years this is their way of live, Afar still consider themselfs as free shepherds and owners of the soil on which onions are now growing.
Some Afar have sharpened their teeth, which is done with the knives they are carrying. All men carry a long stick, have a big knive and are dressed in mainly white. Women dress more colorfull.
Afar are nomadic people but Gewane Afar stay in their village most of the time because in the sixties large state-owned farms were created at the banks and in the swamps of the river and Gewane Afar don't have to search for water.
The young people are employed at the farms, which are privatised, and the elders are busy discussing local politics or family-affairs.
A local committee is formed to take care that the relations between the farm managers and the Afar goes smoothly. These committee members get a salary and this way they also benefit from the activities of the farmers. Although for 30 years this is their way of live, Afar still consider themselfs as free shepherds and owners of the soil on which onions are now growing.
Some Afar have sharpened their teeth, which is done with the knives they are carrying. All men carry a long stick, have a big knive and are dressed in mainly white. Women dress more colorfull.
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