The Baggara generally move their herds two times a year. When the rains come, the herds are moved north to the grasslands. Baggara towns are composed of small compounds grouped according to male family and tribal lines. Baggara men frequently have one wife who may live in the nomadic camp and another who lives in the village or town. Baggara women build the mud brick and thatched roof houses plus any other structures connected with the house.
Men build the sun shelters they use for eating and entertaining while tending cattle.
The roles of men and women are strictly separated. Women are responsible for all of the household work and are the primary caretakers of the children. They also milk the cows, which not only provides the family with dairy products, but by selling the products women earn extra income which they control. Young boys herd calves and small stock. All children attend school, although girls usually withdraw after about six years.