Zarma in Mali


Population
Main Language
Largest Religion
Christian
Evangelical
Progress
Progress Gauge

Introduction / History

In the 15th century there was an empire that controlled much of western and central Niger, and it was dominated by the Songhai-Zerma people. Today the Zerma are considered part of the larger Songhai cluster of peoples. The two groups treat each other as cousins and frequently intermarry.


Where Are they Located?

The bulk of the Zerma people live in Niger, but they live in six West African countries, including Mali, which is just to the west of Niger. Their population in Mali is very small compared with the other countries.


What Are Their Lives Like?

The most respected form of work for the Zerma people is farming. They raise millet, sorghum, beans, and peanuts as their staple crops. Each household also has its own garden where they grow vegetables. The Zerma people use basic, traditional farming tools without the aid of modern equipment like tractors. Many seasons their efforts are wiped out through pests or droughts. This people group has little time for leisure activity. They also raise livestock. A small number of Zerma people are fishermen, businessmen, or teachers.

As cultural Muslims, a man can take up to four wives, though this is usually reserved for older, wealthier men. When a man has more than one wife, each wife has a separate dwelling for her and her children. Zarma women must clean, cook, carry water, and care for the children. The household is the basic social unit among the Zerma. A typical Zerma home is either round with mud walls or is rectangular with walls made of sun-dried mud bricks. Most houses have straw thatched roofs.


The Zarma people are the second largest people group in Niger, and are also in a few other West African countries.
What Are Their Beliefs?

The Zarma people identify with the Islamic religion, and they have been Muslim for centuries. Their culture and customs are tied in with Islam. However, they also practice traditional religion. Wearing charms and amulets, and consulting mediums are part of their lives.


What Are Their Needs?

The Zerma people have put their faith and trust in spirits that come to kill, steal, and destroy them. They need the One who comes to give them life to the full.

The Zerma people could have much better crops if they had modern farming tools.


Prayer Points

Pray for the JESUS Film and gospel recordings to be widely distributed among the Zerma people.
Ask the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers to work among the Zerma of Mali.
Ask the Holy Spirit to grant wisdom and favor to mission agencies currently focusing on the Zerma people.
Pray for many Zerma elders to encounter the living Christ and lead their people to faith in the true Savior.


Scripture Prayers for the Zarma in Mali.


References

http://gowestafrica.org/peoplegroups/zerma/
https://joshuaproject.net/people_groups/16100/ML
https://joshuaproject.net/people_groups/16100/NI
http://gowestafrica.org/peoplegroups/zerma/
http://www.zermateam.org/
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zarma_people
https://www.britannica.com/topic/Zarma
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/354799276866876568/


Profile Source:   Keith Carey  

People Name General Zarma
People Name in Country Zarma
Pronunciation ZAR-mah
Alternate Names Dgerma; Djarma; Dyerma; Zabarma; Zabarmawa; Zaberma; Zerma
Population this Country 2,700
Population all Countries 5,322,000
Total Countries 6
Indigenous No
Progress Scale 1
Unreached Yes
Frontier People Group No
Pioneer Workers Needed 1
PeopleID3 16100
ROP3 Code 111171
Country Mali
Region Africa, West and Central
Continent Africa
10/40 Window Yes
National Bible Society Website
Persecution Rank 14  (Open Doors top 50 rank, 1 = highest persecution ranking)
Location in Country Tillabéri and Dosso regions; also Niamey.   Source:  Ethnologue 2016
Country Mali
Region Africa, West and Central
Continent Africa
10/40 Window Yes
National Bible Society Website
Persecution Rank 14  (Open Doors top 50 rank, 1 = highest persecution ranking)
Location in Country Tillabéri and Dosso regions; also Niamey..   Source:  Ethnologue 2016

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Primary Religion: Islam
Major Religion Percent
Buddhism
0.00 %
Christianity  (Evangelical 0.10 %)
0.20 %
Ethnic Religions
0.00 %
Hinduism
0.00 %
Islam
99.80 %
Non-Religious
0.00 %
Other / Small
0.00 %
Unknown
0.00 %
Primary Language Zarma (2,700 speakers)
Language Code dje   Ethnologue Listing
Language Written Yes   ScriptSource Listing
Total Languages 1
Primary Language Zarma (2,700 speakers)
Language Code dje   Ethnologue Listing
Total Languages 1
People Groups Speaking Zarma
Photo Source (Representative photo)
Global Landscapes Forum - Flickr  Creative Commons 
Profile Source Keith Carey 
Data Sources Data is compiled from various sources. Learn more.


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