Kari in Cameroon


Population
Largest Religion
Christian
Evangelical
Progress
Progress Gauge

Introduction / History

The Kari are an ethnic group found in Cameroon and Central African Republic, known for their distinct language and cultural heritage. Their history is rooted in the land they have inhabited for generations, with traditions and customs passed down through family lines. The Kari have maintained a strong sense of identity despite the changes brought by modern influences and interactions with neighboring peoples. Their language, also called Kari, is central to their cultural expression and daily life.


What Are Their Lives Like?

The Kari people primarily engage in agriculture, cultivating crops such as millet, maize, and yams, which form the basis of their diet. Some families also raise livestock, including goats and chickens, to supplement their food and income. Meals are often shared communally, reflecting the importance of family and community ties. Family life is central, with extended families living close together and supporting one another in daily tasks and major life events. Celebrations are vibrant occasions, marked by music, dance, and traditional foods. These gatherings strengthen community bonds and provide opportunities to pass on cultural values to the younger generation.


What Are Their Beliefs?

About two-thirds of the Karis identify as Muslims. They blend Islamic practices with traditional religion. They believe in Allah as the supreme creator, yet their worldview is shaped by a respect for the spiritual realm, with rituals and ceremonies conducted to honor ancestors and seek blessings from various spirits. There is a Christian minority among them, especially in Central African Republic.


What Are Their Needs?

The Kari face significant challenges in both physical and spiritual areas. Access to clean water and reliable health care is limited, leading to preventable illnesses and hardship. Educational opportunities are often scarce, especially for girls, which restricts the community's development and future prospects. Economic vulnerability is a constant concern, as crop failures or livestock losses can have a devastating impact on families.


Prayer Items

Pray for improved access to clean water, health care, and education for the Kari people, so that their physical needs may be met and their communities strengthened.
Ask God to send workers who will bring the message of Jesus Christ to the Kari, sharing his love in both word and action.
Pray that the Holy Spirit would prepare the hearts of the Kari to receive the gospel, breaking through spiritual barriers and bringing hope.
Pray that Kari Christian believers will make it a point to disciple others in the faith.


Scripture Prayers for the Kari in Cameroon.


References

https://www.ethnologue.com/language/kqf/
https://www.peoplegroups.org/explore/GroupDetails.aspx?peid=48848


Profile Source:   Joshua Project  

People Name General Kari
People Name in Country Kari
Alternate Names Kare; Karre; Tale
Population this Country 9,100
Population all Countries 148,000
Total Countries 2
Indigenous Yes
Progress Scale Progress Gauge
Unreached No
Frontier No
GSEC 4  (per PeopleGroups.org)
Pioneer Workers Needed
PeopleID3 12539
ROP3 Code 104664
Country Cameroon
Region Africa, West and Central
Continent Africa
10/40 Window No
National Bible Society Website
Persecution Rank 37  (Open Doors top 50 rank, 1 = highest persecution ranking)
Location in Country Adamawa Province, Vina Division, Belel area; North Province, Mayo-Rey Division   Source:  Ethnologue 2010
Country Cameroon
Region Africa, West and Central
Continent Africa
10/40 Window No
National Bible Society Website
Persecution Rank 37  (Open Doors top 50 rank, 1 = highest persecution ranking)
Location in Country Adamawa Province, Vina Division, Belel area; North Province, Mayo-Rey Division.   Source:  Ethnologue 2010

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Primary Religion: Islam
Major Religion Estimated Percent
Buddhism
0.00 %
Christianity
33.00 %
Ethnic Religions
2.00 %
Hinduism
0.00 %
Islam
65.00 %
Non-Religious
0.00 %
Other / Small
0.00 %
Unknown
0.00 %
Primary Language Kare (Central African Republic)
Language Code kbn   Ethnologue Listing
Written / Published Yes   ScriptSource Listing
Total Languages 1
Primary Language Kare (Central African Republic)
Language Code kbn   Ethnologue Listing
Total Languages 1
People Groups Speaking Kare (Central African Republic)

Primary Language:  Kare (Central African Republic)

Bible Translation Status  (Years)
Bible-Portions Yes  (1931-1945)
Bible-New Testament Yes  (1947)
Bible-Complete No
YouVersion NT (www.bible.com) Online
Possible Print Bibles
Amazon
World Bibles
Forum Bible Agencies
National Bible Societies
World Bible Finder
Virtual Storehouse
Resource Type Resource Name Source
Film / Video Jesus Film: view in Kare Jesus Film Project
General Scripture Earth Gospel resources links Scripture Earth
General YouVersion Bible versions in text and/or audio YouVersion Bibles
Mobile App Android Bible app: Kare YouVersion Bibles
Mobile App iOS Bible app: Kare YouVersion Bibles
Profile Source Joshua Project 
Data Sources Data is compiled from various sources. Learn more.