Fulani, Pulaar in United States

People Name:	Fulani, Pulaar
Country:	United States
10/40 Window:	No
Population:	21,000
World Population:	3,092,300
Primary Language:	Pulaar
Primary Religion:	Islam
Christian Adherents:	0.60 %
Evangelicals:	0.40 %
Scripture:	New Testament
Online Audio NT:	Yes
Jesus Film:	Yes
Audio Recordings:	Yes
People Cluster:	Fulani / Fulbe
Affinity Bloc:	Sub-Saharan Peoples
Progress Level:

Introduction / History

The Fula Toro are located in the Futa Toro region of northeastern Senegal, West Africa. Senegal is located in Africa's tropical zone. In the Futa Toro region, temperatures range from 95 F to 104 F (35 C to 40 C) during the hottest season, and the air is very dry. Large mammals such as elephants, lions, and cheetahs are found in the region, as well as warthogs, monkeys, and dangerous snakes. The rivers are home to crocodiles, hippos, and many species of fish. The Futa Toro region is the richest agricultural district in Senegal because of its two yearly growing seasons.

The Futa Toro region has attracted various peoples into its fertile land, and together they make up the Tokolor or Fulbe speaking peoples. The Fula Toro are related to the Fulani people and speak a Fulani dialect. Fulani tribes are often grouped and named according to their locations and dialects. This group is semi-nomadic and live in the southern highlands, or jeeri; hence, their language is called Fulbe Jeeri.

Where Are they Located?

Starting around 2000, there has been an increase in the number of African migrants to the United States. Those from Senegal like the Fouta Tooro Fulanis live mostly in Harlem, Chicago, or New Jersey.

What Are Their Lives Like?

The Fouta Tooro Fulani are a proud people who teach their children to have dignity. Fulani children are required to respect their elders. They are also taught to strictly hold on to important values such as generosity, honesty, and modesty.

The policy of the United States gives preference to immigrants with money, education, and certain needed skills. That goes for West Africans like the Adamawa Fulanis.

As a general rule when West Africans migrate to the US, they form their own ethnic specific neighborhoods. That way they only deal with people from their own language and culture. When their population is big enough, they form their own ethnic group specific mosque.

What Are Their Beliefs?

Virtually all of the Fula Toro are Muslims. Islamic schools have been set up throughout Senegal. While Senegal is both a French-speaking country and a commonwealth of nations advocate, it has remained a prominent member of the Islamic world.

What Are Their Needs?

The Fouta Tooro Fulanis, be they in West Africa or the US, need the opportunity to allow Jesus Christ to transform their lives. They have a much better chance of that happening in the US if believers reach out to them.

Prayer Points

Ask the Lord to give the Fula Toro believers boldness to share Christ with their own people.
Pray that the Fula Toro elders will be led to Christ and, in turn, begin leading their families to him.
Ask the Holy Spirit to soften the hearts of the Fula Toro towards Christians so that they will be receptive to the gospel.
Ask the Lord to raise up a strong disciple making movement among the African diaspora in the United States.