The Tuareg also conquered the Harratine who were a farming people of Negroid stock. These people were not trained for war and gave in without a struggle. In return for protection from other desert marauders, they agreed to give the Tuareg half their garden produce. Thereafter they continued to farm their land as serfs. The northern region is very hot in summer, often reaching temperatures of 130 degrees Fahrenheit.
Violent winds are also very common and add considerably to the discomfort of the climate.
A sandstorm does far more damage than rain and they are much feared. Traveling is extremely hard under such conditions and most people spend the day in the shade of rocks and trees, sleeping and drinking water. The rains in the Sahara are irregular, and in some places it has not rained for 6 years. In contrast, it is not uncommon for snow to fall on the higher slopes of the Ahaggar during winter. There are a number of distinguishing characteristics of the Tuareg.