Today, the Runga are primarily farmers, using hoe cultivation and irrigation techniques. Millet and wheat are the main crops grown, but onions, garlic, and melons are also cultivated. Stock breeding is another important activity for the Runga. Horses, cattle, goats, sheep, and chickens are raised for milk, butter, wool, eggs, meat, sacrifice, and trade. Both men and women participate in the field work, but men alone do the clearing of the land and other heavy work.
Men also tend to the animals, trade at local markets, and make family decisions.
The women milk the animals, brew a millet beer, and prepare a daily millet-based porridge. They are also responsible for domestic duties, such as caring for the children. Although some Runga live in large towns in clustered huts, many live in compact rural villages. The huts in the villages are grouped in compounds surrounded by grass mat fences. The houses are usually round, with cone-shaped, thatched roofs.