Zerma

Quick facts about the Zerma

Location: Niger, Benin, Nigeria
Also Known As: Zarma, Djerma
Status: Engaged by IMB
Population: 2,500,000
Primary Religion: Islam
Number of Christians: less than 1,000 (less than .01%)
Language: Zarma

More than 95% practice Folk Islam
Farming is the main occupation—millet, peas, and peanuts are grown with all family members contributing to the manual fieldwork.
Most of the population live in Southwest Niger, primarily to the East and South of the Niger River

Pray that there will be an indigenous church planting movement among the Zerma and that God would be glorified among them.

Learn more about the Zerma!

The culture and traditions of the Zerma people are tied closely to the practice of Islam. Like Muslims everywhere, the Zerma hold to a set of beliefs which begin with the confession that "there is no God but Allah and Mohammed is his prophet." They observe the Islamic rituals such as the month of fasting during Ramadan; they give a small portion of their income to charity; they perform at least five daily prayers; and if they have the means, they make a pilgrimage to Mecca. Although there appears to be a strict adherence to Islam on the surface, many Zerma also incorporate animistic practices into their daily life resulting in a type of "folk Islam." These practices consist of things like wearing charms and amulets and consulting mediums. About half the Zerma population is under the age of 15 due to increasing birthrates and decreasing infant mortality rates.