Earth
In Darfur, Sudan, the civil war that broke out in 2003 turned the lives of millions into a continuous struggle for survival. The conflict between government forces and rebel groups led to mass displacement, the destruction of villages, and a long-lasting humanitarian crisis. People who once lived off farming and trade were forced to flee to refugee camps, where living conditions became unbearable. Deprived of food and access to basic resources, they began looking for any way to ease their hunger. One of the most heartbreaking manifestations of this desperation was geophagy—the practice of eating earth.
In camps like Al Lait, people resorted to eating dirt, tree leaves, and whatever else they could find to fill their stomachs when all other options failed. This was not only due to the lack of food but also because humanitarian aid was often blocked from reaching those most in need due to intense fighting and deliberate transport blockades. Those who once cultivated the land were now forced to eat what lay beneath their feet—earth that offered no nutritional value but gave a temporary illusion of fullness.
*In Africa, the consumption of earth or clay, particularly by pregnant women, is part of a practice known as geophagy, which carries both cultural and health-related significance. In various regions of Africa, pregnant women consume specific types of clay, believing that it provides them with essential nutrients such as calcium and iron and alleviates nausea.
Types of clay consumed by pregnant women:
– Kaolin clay: This is one of the most popular forms of clay consumed in West Africa, especially in countries like Ghana, Nigeria, and Togo. Kaolin is a natural mineral rich in silica, which in some cultures is believed to be beneficial for health and even has cleansing properties.
– Termite mound clay: In some communities, pregnant women eat clay from termite mounds. This clay is believed to be rich in minerals that are beneficial for health and helps to replenish iron and calcium deficiencies in the diet.
– Red clay: Women from various regions of Africa, such as Tanzania and Kenya, consume red-colored clay that contains iron. It is often regarded as a strengthening agent for pregnant women and is also believed to help alleviate nausea.*