The Impact of Time in Somalia

Somalia, located in the Horn of Africa, is a nation in the throes of a fitful recovery from a decades-long civil war. The conflict has had an enormous impact on the country, from infrastructure to culture and society. Among the factors that have been hardest hit by the recent strife has been the sense of time and its importance to everyday life. This article will explore the impact of time in Somalia and the implications social, economic, and cultural of the recent wars.

Impact on Daily Schedules

Before the civil war, most Somalis followed a similar daily routine. People rose early to pray, and then went to work, or to school. Families would take time out to eat together and then spend the afternoon socializing. By evening, most people were either at home or in a place of worship.

During the war, however, daily routines changed drastically. With the lack of jobs and economic opportunities, most people had to identify new ways to make a living. This often meant long hours of searching for food, water, and other resources. Additionally, the fear of violence kept people indoors for both day and night. For the majority of Somalis, time became less important and routines were disrupted.

Impact on Economic Development

The civil war also had an enormous impact on Somalia’s economy. Over the past two decades, infrastructure and institutions have been destroyed, leading to a decline in economic production and jobs. This decline has had a ripple effect throughout the country, leading to a decrease in labor productivity, a weaker local currency, and reduced investment.

These economic issues have had a profound effect on the way Somalis perceive time. Economic stagnation has caused a stagnation in social progress and created a sense of helplessness and despair. This, in turn, has caused many Somalis to lose faith in the idea that they can achieve any progress in their lives, leading to a decline in people’s internal motivation, a lack of urgency, and an overall disregard for time.

The Role of Technology

Technology has also played an important role in the impact of time in Somalia. Although mobile phones and internet access were almost wholly absent during the civil war, the introduction of these technologies in the late 2000s presented a new way to measure the passing of time. In some ways, this has been beneficial to the individual; for example, mobile banking has allowed individuals to monitor and manage their finances more effectively.

In other ways, however, the increased emphasis on technology has created a disconnect between people’s physical and digital worlds. As more Somalis turn to mobile phones and the internet to measure time, the importance of one’s physical environment becomes diminished. This detachment can make it difficult for people to appreciate the time they have and to use it wisely.

Conclusion

The impact of time in Somalia has been profound and often devastating. Conflict, economic stagnation, and technological advancements have all played a role in the disruption of social progress and the loss of traditional values and concepts. As Somalia continues to rebuild and progress, the importance of this loss should not be forgotten — only through an understanding the impact that time has had can the country begin to move forward.