INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF RESEARCH AND INNOVATION IN SOCIAL SCIENCE (IJRISS)
ISSN No. 2454-6186 | DOI: 10.47772/IJRISS | Volume IX Issue X October 2025
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Social Integration of Migrants Youth (A study of Nuba Migrants
Families in Khartoum State)
*Rawia Alfadil Sharif Mahmoud
1
, Shadia Abdelrahim Mohamed Daoud
2
1
The Regional Institute of Gender, Diversity, Peace, and Rights, Ahfad University for Women,
Omdurman, Sudan.
2
School of Rural Extension, Education and Development, Ahfad University for Women, Omdurman,
Sudan.
*Corresponding Author
DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.47772/IJRISS.2025.910000524
Received: 26 October 2025; Accepted: 01 November 2025; Published: 18 November 2025
ABSTRACT
This research aimed to explore the social integration process among Nuba youth, specifically those from migrant
families born in Khartoum State. The Nuba group refers to the people of South Kordofan in Western Sudan, who
are currently experiencing ongoing conflict. A purposive sampling method was employed to select a total of 120
male and female Nuba youth participants. Data were gathered through face-to-face interviews utilizing a
pretested questionnaire. The findings of the study revealed that these youth live in challenging conditions marked
by high rates of illiteracy, unemployment, and social isolation, leading them to develop their own lifestyle, which
renders them vulnerable to exploitation and violence. Additionally, the results indicated that the social
integration of Nuba youth with the host community is limited, despite changes in their socio-cultural practices
and the adoption of a lifestyle that differs from that of the Nuba group.
Keywords: Migration, Migrant Youth, Social Integration
INTRODUCTION
The concept of integration is characterized as a method of uniting individuals into a cohesive entity, facilitating
their inclusion within a community. Integration is achieved when social cohesion is present, indicating that a
minority group interacts with a larger population. Recent migrations of the Nuba group have led to a significant
number of families residing in an isolated community near Khartoum, experiencing minimal integration with
surrounding communities. The Nuba ethnic group discussed in this research comprises black Africans from
Western Sudan, specifically the area known as the Nuba Mountains in South Kordofan State. This region has
endured a prolonged civil conflict since the 1980s, which concluded with the signing of the Comprehensive
Peace Agreement in 2005. The conflict forced thousands to abandon their homeland, seeking refuge in various
regions both within and outside the country in pursuit of safety and improved living conditions. A significant
portion of these migrants has settled in Khartoum State, particularly on the outskirts of Khartoum City (Bello,
2008). Research conducted by Daoud and Bello (2014) revealed that the social capital among Nuba groups was
substantial, serving as a strategy to mitigate their poverty and vulnerabilities. Many Nuba children born in
Khartoum have transitioned into youth, yet there is limited data regarding their livelihoods, particularly
concerning their integration with the host community. Therefore, this study aims to explore the integration of
Nubian youth within host communities by examining the socio-economic circumstances of rural youth migrants
and their social and cultural adaptation to the new environment.
Specific objectives:
The objectives of this study are as follows:
To analyze the socio-economic conditions of Nuba youth who were born and raised in Khartoum State.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF RESEARCH AND INNOVATION IN SOCIAL SCIENCE (IJRISS)
ISSN No. 2454-6186 | DOI: 10.47772/IJRISS | Volume IX Issue X October 2025
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To assess the transformations in social and cultural practices among Nuba youth.
To evaluate the adaptation of Nuba youth to the prevailing new culture.
To investigate the extent of integration between the Nuba community and the host population.
METHODOLOGY
This research was conducted in 2015 within the Jabraona squatter area of Omdurman Locality, located in
Khartoum State. This squatter settlement is primarily populated by individuals displaced by various civil
conflicts across the nation, particularly from regions such as Darfur, Eastern Sudan, the Blue Nile, and the Nuba
Mountains. A targeted sample of 120 respondents, specifically from the youth demographic of the displaced
Nuba community, was selected for the study. Data collection was conducted through face-to-face interviews
using a pre-tested questionnaire, which served as the primary tool for gathering information relevant to each
participant. The questionnaire was delivered orally due to the low literacy levels among the respondents.
The remainder of the paper is structured into three sections. The first section presents the study's findings. The
second section provides a discussion of these findings. The final section offers conclusions and
recommendations.
RESULT
The data presented in Table 1 reveals that the interviewed youth were predominantly under the age of 20. The
study aimed to include both male and female participants; however, the absence of females during the fieldwork
was notable, as they were engaged in work, unlike their male counterparts who were often idle. The literacy rate
among the migrant youth was concerning, with 57% classified as illiterate and 43% possessing only a limited
level of education.
any work, particularly among males, where only 33% were employed in low-paying, marginal jobs, primarily
as domestic workers, all of whom were female. Additionally, 10% of male youth were involved in seasonal
casual labor. The study also highlighted that 17% of the fathers of these youth were unemployed, while their
mothers were similarly employed in marginalized, low-paying positions. The families of the targeted youth were
relatively new arrivals in Khartoum, with 72% having migrated within the last 25 years. Only 25% of these
families owned their homes, while the remainder resided with extended family members. The findings indicated
that the families were generally large, with 80% having between ten and twelve members, and 72.5% living in
extended family arrangements. Furthermore, 73% of the youth identified their neighborhood as predominantly
consisting of the Nuba group.
Table (1) Socio Economic characteristics of Youth Migrants
Characteristics
Frequency
Percentage %
Age
18-20
80
67
21-23
40
33
Total
120
100 %
Gender
Male
77
64
Female
43
36
Total
120
100 %
Education
Illiterate
68
57
Primary education
38
32
Secondary education
16
11
Total
120
100 %
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF RESEARCH AND INNOVATION IN SOCIAL SCIENCE (IJRISS)
ISSN No. 2454-6186 | DOI: 10.47772/IJRISS | Volume IX Issue X October 2025
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Occupation
Not working
70
58
Domestic servants
30
25
Casual labar
12
10
Tea seller
8
7
Total
120
100 %
Father occupation
Casual workers
100
83
Not working
20
17
Total
120
100 %
Mother occupation
Domestic servant
89
74
Tea seller
31
26
Total
120
100 %
Year of family migration
Less than 25 years
86
72
26-30
30
25
Mor than 30
4
3
Total
120
100 %
Ownership of the house
Owned house
40
33
Rented
44
37
Lived as extended family
36
30
Total
120
100 %
Family Size
7-9
23
19
10-12
57
47.5
More than 12
30
33.5
Total
120
100 %
Types of family
Extended
87
72.5
Nuclear
33
27.5
Total
120
100 %
Neighborhood
Majority Nubian
88
73
Other migrated tribes
32
27
Total
120
100 %
Changes in Social and Cultural Practices among Migrant Youth:
A significant indicator of the evolving social culture among Nuba youth is the limited use of their local language;
69.2% communicate primarily in Arabic, while 25% utilize both local and Arabic languages. Traditionally, the
Nuba community is characterized by communal living and shared meals; however, a notable percentage of youth
have altered their dietary habits, as reflected in the findings. The Nuba are renowned for their traditional sport,
Musara, which has been practiced for generations. Nevertheless, youth born in Khartoum have shifted towards
engaging in modern sports. Furthermore, 93% of the youth listen to national music and songs, yet only 47%
participate in Nubian arts and festivals. The adoption of modern communication technologies is prevalent among
the youth, with all possessing mobile phones and 45% utilizing the internet. (See Table 2)
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF RESEARCH AND INNOVATION IN SOCIAL SCIENCE (IJRISS)
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Table (2) Changes in the Social and Cultural Practices of Nuba Youth
Frequency
Percentage %
Language Use
7
5.3
83
69.2
30
25
120
100 %
Food habits
3
2.5
117
97.5
120
100 %
Sports
20
16.6
90
75
10
3.4
120
100 %
Entertainment
100
83.3
20
16.7
120
100 %
Participated on Local Organization
35
29.2
85
70.8
120
100 %
Participate on Nubian arts and festivals
56
46.7
64
53.3
120
100 %
Use of Mobile
120
100
0
0
120
100 %
Use of Internet
55
45.8
65
54.2
120
100 %
INTEGRATION
The research revealed a limited degree of integration among youth with other communities, despite evidence of
social change and the adoption of new lifestyles. The analysis presented in Table Three examined the factors
contributing to this restricted integration. Political engagement among the youth was notably weak, with 95.8%
reporting no participation in political activities. Cultural integration with other tribes was also minimal, as only
15% reported any cultural interactions. Furthermore, a mere 18.3% of the youth indicated having friendships
with individuals from other tribes. The youth exhibited a tendency to isolate themselves from their Nuba groups,
with 31.7% of those interviewed maintaining relationships with the older generation of the Nuba community.
Only 20% of the youth had regular contact with their homeland in South Kordofan, while a significant 91% had
never visited their place of origin. Among the youth interviewed, 50%—predominantly males—spent their time
socializing with their Nuba peers, engaging in activities such as playing or using the internet. In contrast, 45.8%
of the majority female respondents reported being too occupied with work to engage in social activities. Only
4.2% dedicated some time to community service, and a mere 5% of the youth interviewed participated in
voluntary work.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF RESEARCH AND INNOVATION IN SOCIAL SCIENCE (IJRISS)
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Table (3) factors contributed to restricted integration
Factors of integration
Answers
Frequency
Percentage %
Involvement in political Activities
Yes
15
4.2
No
105
95.8
Total
120
100 %
Cultural integration with other tribes
Yes
18
15
No
102
85
Total
120
100 %
Relation with old generation
Good relation
38
31.7
No relation
82
68.3
Total
120
100 %
Friends
From Nuba group
98
81.7
From other tribes
22
18.3
Total
120
100 %
Participation on voluntary work
Yes
6
5
No
114
95
Total
120
100 %
Use of time
Play with friends
60
50
Community work
5
4.2
I do not have time
55
45.8
Total
120
100 %
Contact of youth with their home land South
Kordofan
Yes
24
20
No
96
80
Total
120
100 %
The visit of Youth to their place of origin
Yes
10
8.3
No
110
91.7
Total
120
100 %
Challenges faced by youth in Khartoum State:
A significant portion, specifically 43.3%, of the youth did not provide a response to our inquiry regarding the
challenges faced in Khartoum. This reluctance may stem from concerns about security. Among those who did
respond, 34.2% reported difficulties in securing employment, 8.3% indicated issues with access to water, 10%
encountered transportation challenges, and 2.5% cited safety concerns related to crime. Notably, fewer than two
percent of respondents reported experiencing harassment by authorities.
Table (4) Difficulties experienced in Khartoum
Difficulties experienced in Khartoum
Did not reply
52
43.3
Finding work
41
34.2
Lack of access to water
10
8.3
Lack of transportation
12
10
Crimes
3
2.5
Harassment by government
2
1.7
Total
120
100
DISCUSSION
The study's findings revealed a limited degree of integration among youth from migrant families residing in the
outskirts of Khartoum State. The analysis of social changes among these young individuals clearly demonstrated
their adaptation to a lifestyle that significantly differs from their traditional Nuba way of life. O'Reilly and
Benson (2009) noted that migrant youth often experience a sense of conflict as they navigate between adopting
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF RESEARCH AND INNOVATION IN SOCIAL SCIENCE (IJRISS)
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the new lifestyle of the host communities and achieving full or partial integration with them. High levels of
illiteracy among these youth, coupled with restricted access to education, have been identified as significant
barriers to their integration. Numerous research studies emphasize that providing migrant children and youth
with access to education is essential for fostering social integration (Anisef, Paul, and Kenise M. Kilbride, 2004;
Belkhodja, Chedly, 2006). Education serves as a fundamental element of social integration, particularly for
young migrants. Achieving high levels of educational success enhances the prospects for employment and social
inclusion, as individuals develop essential skills and embrace the shared values of their host society. (Benson,
M. and O’Reilly, K. 2009) The findings from interviews with youth regarding social and cultural transformations
revealed a significant disconnection from their Nuba communities. Many of these individuals altered their
dietary practices, and only a small number were proficient in the local Nuba language. Their involvement in
Nuba cultural festivals and sports activities was notably restricted. Furthermore, the absence of interaction with
their homeland exacerbates their vulnerability, resulting in a diminished network of interpersonal relationships
with peers and family from their place of origin (Boyd, Dominic, 2006). The findings of the study revealed that
migrant youth often face lower levels of skill development, unskilled labor, and irregular employment situations,
which may lead to increased risks of abuse, exploitation, discrimination, social exclusion, and unemployment.
Furthermore, migrant youth did not engage in voluntary work. Volunteering serves as a means of social
participation, allowing immigrants to contribute significantly to their communities as active citizens in the
integration process (Aguado, A. 2007).
Several studies (Boyd, Dominic, 2006; O’Reilly, K. and Benson, M., 2009) have indicated that integration failure
may stem from migrants' resistance to change; however, these findings were contradicted by the research, which
revealed that youth migrants exhibited a significant degree of socio-cultural adaptation and embraced new
lifestyles. The social interactions among the interviewed youth were notably limited, as most did not form
friendships with peers from different tribes. This lack of social connection hindered the integration of youth from
migrant families. It is widely recognized that social interaction plays a vital role in the integration process.
Through social contacts and the environment fostered by such interactions, individuals cultivate a sense of
belonging within a specific social context (Son, J. & Lin, N., 2008). Additionally, the limited political
engagement of youth has been identified as a contributing factor to their lack of integration. It is posited that the
political involvement of immigrants is a critical aspect of the integration process; increased political participation
correlates with enhanced integration within the democratic framework (Berger, M., Galonska, C. & Koopmans,
R., 2004).
CONCLUSION
The findings of this study reveal that the displaced youth from the Nuba group in Khartoum State, originating
from families that have migrated and resettled in the outskirts of the State, face significant challenges including
illiteracy, unemployment, social isolation, and vulnerability. These circumstances have led them to develop a
lifestyle that renders them susceptible to exploitation and violence. The research indicates that youth migrants
are not fully integrated into their host communities, which diminishes their potential contributions and leaves
many opportunities associated with migration unexploited. It is therefore essential to acknowledge and
emphasize the beneficial effects of robust, collaborative, and comprehensive migrant integration practices on
social cohesion, economic resilience, political stability, and the overall development of both the host community
and the nation.
The study concludes that there is no singular integration model that can be universally applied to generations of
migrants and the societies that receive them. Integration may occur variably across different sectors of society.
Nonetheless, it is imperative to undertake collective efforts aimed at enhancing the social and economic
conditions of migrants while promoting equality and cohesion.
RECOMMENDATIONS
The process of integration is a prolonged and ongoing endeavor that necessitates a variety of policy
measures implemented at various stages and aimed at multiple target groups.
Enhance civic, cultural, and political engagement while encouraging dialogue to support active
citizenship, which includes consultation and advisory roles at all levels.
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The interactions involved should adhere to the principle of equality. Establishing social networks that
acknowledge differences is crucial for the integration process.
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