Igdalen in Niger

The Igdalen have only been reported in Niger
Population
Main Language
Largest Religion
Christian
Evangelical
Progress
Progress Gauge

Introduction / History

The Igdalen are a fair skinned people living in centers around the three important sites of Tamaya, Mazababu and Tegurwit and as far north as Ingal.


What Are Their Lives Like?

Formerly, they were livestock herders living a nomadic lifestyle but some have changed to trading and gardening as alternative sources of income. As trade plays a larger role in their lives, the men have become increasingly bilingual in Hausa and Tamajaq, the important languages along the north-south trade routes. Use of these languages is limited to trade and it is rare that a woman would learn either. They call their own language Tagdal.


What Are Their Beliefs?

The Igdalen people are entirely Sunni Muslim. Like most African Muslims, they blend Islam with traditional religion.


What Are Their Needs?

Formal education has not and does not play a major role in the lives of the Igdalen. Schools within a reasonable proximity have only recently been available. As with many isolated groups, they are suspicious of formal education and tend not to send their children to school. Formal Koranic schooling is prevalent, especially for boys and young men. Resistance to religious change is high. It appears that the Igdalen are 100% Muslim. They are a largely closed group but seem open to outside help insofar as it meets their perceived needs such as improved farming methods and better medical care. Like related groups, they show their solidarity by rarely marrying outside their ethnic group.


Prayer Points

Pray for the Holy Spirit to give dreams and visions to Igdalen family leaders, leading to home fellowships.
Pray for Igdalen disciples to make more disciples.
Pray for the Igdalen people to crave true spiritual nourishment and find it in Jesus Christ.


Scripture Prayers for the Igdalen, Tagdal in Niger.


Profile Source:   Joshua Project  

People Name General Iberogen, Igdalen
People Name in Country Igdalen, Tagdal
Natural Name Igdalen
Pronunciation EEG-dah-len
Alternate Names Igalan
Population this Country 73,000
Population all Countries 73,000
Total Countries 1
Indigenous Yes
Progress Scale 1
Unreached Yes
Frontier People Group Yes
GSEC 1  (per PeopleGroups.org)
Pioneer Workers Needed 1
PeopleID3 15177
ROP3 Code 109694
Country Niger
Region Africa, West and Central
Continent Africa
10/40 Window Yes
Persecution Rank 27  (Open Doors top 50 rank, 1 = highest persecution ranking)
Location in Country Between Tahoua central, Agadez north central, and Ingall northeast   Source:  Ethnologue 2010
Country Niger
Region Africa, West and Central
Continent Africa
10/40 Window Yes
Persecution Rank 27  (Open Doors top 50 rank, 1 = highest persecution ranking)
Location in Country Between Tahoua central, Agadez north central, and Ingall northeast.   Source:  Ethnologue 2010
Map of Igdalen, Tagdal in Niger
Primary Religion: Islam
Major Religion Percent
Buddhism
0.00 %
Christianity  (Evangelical 0.00 %)
0.00 %
Ethnic Religions
0.00 %
Hinduism
0.00 %
Islam
100.00 %
Non-Religious
0.00 %
Other / Small
0.00 %
Unknown
0.00 %
Primary Language Tagdal (73,000 speakers)
Language Code tda   Ethnologue Listing
Language Written Unknown
Total Languages 1
Primary Language Tagdal (73,000 speakers)
Language Code tda   Ethnologue Listing
Total Languages 1
People Groups Speaking Tagdal

Primary Language:  Tagdal

Bible Translation Status:  Unspecified

Resource Type Resource Name Source
None reported  
Photo Source Copyrighted © 2024  GoWestAfrica  All rights reserved.  Used with permission
Map Source People Group location: IMB. Map geography: ESRI / GMI. Map design: Joshua Project.  
Profile Source Joshua Project 
Data Sources Data is compiled from various sources. Learn more.


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