The Fulani in sub-Saharan Africa

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The Fulani are the largest migratory group of people in the world, consisting of between 16 to 25 million people (estimates vary widely) spread across sub-Saharan Africa from Mauritania and Senegal to Sudan. They are also one of the world’s largest unevangelized people groups. This diverse group is also known also as “Fulbe,” “Peul” and “Fula” in addition to a variety of regional and tribal names. The Fulani share a common language called “Fulfulde” which is composed of several dialects. Most Fulani are illiterate, yet parents often desire for their children learn to pray and recite parts of the Qur’an. They place high value on storytelling and proverbs, which attempt to teach valuable lessons about life.

Zealous Muslims among the Fulani

The Fulani have followed Islam for seven centuries, and helped to spread Islam across much of West Africa. They became zealous Muslims, and from 1750 to 1900 engaged in many holy wars in the name of Islam. During the first part of the 19th century the Fulani carved out two important empires based in Massina (Mali) and in Sokoto (Nigeria). Among educated Fulani, there are many noted Islamic scholars and teachers. While the urbanized and more affluent Fulani are generally the most orthodox in their beliefs, the great majority of the Fulani mix superstition and animistic beliefs with Islam.

The Fulani have a long history as cattle herdsmen. To be a Fulani meant to be a cattle owner. The more cattle a man owns, the more respect he is given. However, due to increasing hardships including famine, drought and poverty, some Fulani no longer own cattle. Even so a majority still own at least a small number of animals, whether a cherished cow, sheep or goats. Often, those that do not own animals will work as herdsmen for others.

Persecution among the Fulani

The Wodaabe Fulani (pop: 180,000) of Eastern Niger are among the pure nomadic herders. They seek to find pasture for their herds just south of the Sahara Desert. Some are being forced to find other means of support. However, for most Wodaabe to farm is a rejection of their heritage. The Jelgooji of Eastern Burkina Faso have also clung to the tradition of herding more tenaciously than many other groups, yet they tend to be more semi-nomadic.

In some areas, Fulani who have become Christians have experienced no negative repercussions from family or community members. More often though, decisions to follow Christ have been met with harsh persecution. There are currently no more than a few thousand Fulani Christians - much less than 1% of the total population. Less than 10% of the Fulani have heard the Gospel.

Prayer Guide for the Fulani

* Most Fulani simply need to hear the Gospel in a fashion which is culturally sensitive, relevant and understandable.

* Pray for missionary Bible story telling efforts to this largely illiterate people. Story telling is an art. Missionaries need inspiration, linguistic ability and perseverance to be effective in proclaiming the Gospel in this manner.

* Pray for the various humanitarian and development efforts taking place among the Fulani.

* May the Lord raise up Fulani disciples who can take the Gospel to their own people. They will need faith, perseverance, hope and real love to make this happen (1 Corinthians 13:13, Romans 15:4).

Special Note

God is really answering prayers as we Fulanis have been taking the Gospel to our people and we are seeing fruits to the glory of God. Fulani Ministries’ work: www.fulaniministries.org is an example of Fulanis responding to God’s grace in sharing the Gospel to other Fulanis in sub-Saharan Africa. Remain blessed. Romans 10:12-15

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