The organization CARE is in charge of the food that is distributed twice a month, while MSF is in charge of medical relief with therapeutic and supplementary feeding. Small markets have been established within the camps where surplus dry food rations from CARE can be exchanged for camel and sometimes goat meat and fresh vegetables. Tailors and barbers ply their trades. Others work as laborers for the aid agencies. The market became the congregating point for the men, most of whom have little to do.
Older men sit around, talk, and chew miraa a mild stimulant that is chewed with gum.
Young men, if they are not herding goats or minding the camels, find that time hangs heavy. They stand around, hands on hips, one leg thrust out, waiting for something to happen. Not that you will, but you must look like nothing is getting past you. Young men also see themselves as obligated to monitor the women s activities. Women, on the other hand, bear much of the responsibility for maintaining camp life.