Final answer:
Following the abolition of slavery in Azawagh, the harotin caste's identity has shifted from forced labor to engaging in a variety of economic activities. Their experience reflects historical transitions in the Islamic world and African society, where conversion and societal change often influenced the status of non-elite populations.
Step-by-step explanation:
Given the abolition of slavery in the Azawagh by the government in Niamey, the majority of the harotin caste of this Arabic-speaking culture have undergone significant changes in their social and economic status. After being largely associated with slave labor, their new status in society has been influenced by historical practices and the larger socio-economic context of the Islamic world and African history.
In historical context, the imposition of Islam in African regions often resulted in the conversion of local populations to avoid enslavement and harsh taxation, as Islamic law generally forbade the enslavement of fellow Muslims. This led to a complex social structure where converted Africans might still suffer discrimination but also had the opportunity to challenge unjust rulers and seek a society led by pious individuals, as highlighted in revolts across North Africa.
Moreover, with the end of legalized slavery, those who were part of the enslaved or lower castes, such as the harotin, have sought various means to improve their livelihood, often through sedentary farming, employment in urban centers, or other economic ventures. This reflects a shift from their past identity, tied to enforced labor, towards a broader spectrum of economic activities and societal roles.