Western Fulani
Quick facts about the Western Fulani
- Location: Niger, Nigeria
- Also Known As: Western Niger Fulani, Western (Niger) Fulbe
- Status: Engaged by IMB
- Population: 450,000
- Primary Religion: Islam
- Number of Christians: less than 50
- Language: Fulfulde
- The Western Fulani are a sub-set of the Fulani, a people group of over 18 million found throughout West Africa.
- The Fulani have long been in the cattle business. For centuries to be a Fulani meant to be a cattle owner.
- The Fulani were one of the first African tribes to convert to Islam and are today more than 99% Muslim.
Learn more about the Western Fulani!
It is difficult to find any Fulani who admits to not being Muslim, no matter how lax his or her practice may be. Although they adhere strongly to the tenants of Islam, there is a high level of belief that certain people possess supernatural powers. It is common to hear a Fulani tell stories of those who have the power to move themselves from one place to another supernaturally or perhaps to harm another person through a supernatural power or curse.
Due to the increasing hardships, famine, drought and poverty, many Fulani longer own cattle. But a majority still own at least a small number of animals, whether that be sheep, goats or a single precious cow. Often times those that do not own any animals will hire out to herd for others.
Many of the Fulani have taken a more sedentary life and in addition to herding they farm. Those in Western Niger mostly farm millet, a fairly nutritious grain which grows well in the hot dry climate.
Images of the Western Fulani
