Guduf in Nigeria

Introduction / History

The Fulbe are the predominant ethnic group in the North Central African region. In the 1800s, the Kirdi (non-Fulbe) tribes strongly resisted Fulbe rule. During this time, they sought refuge in the Mandara Mountains, hills, and secluded valleys, where they continue to reside today. Kirdi (meaning "pagan") serves as a broad, collective term for several ethnic groups inhabiting northern Cameroon, southeastern Nigeria, and southwestern Chad. One of these tribes is the Guduf, who live in Cameroon and Nigeria. The speak their own language, Guduf.

What Are Their Lives Like?

Most of the Guduf are farmers who raise crops on hillside terraces. Peanuts, maize, and millet are among the main crops. Melons, pumpkins, and beans are also raised. They grow millet and other cereals on the mountains or hill slopes. Each family keeps a nearby garden for their meals. They use cotton and indigo to produce clothing and to sell.

A Guduf man's work includes crafting leather, making baskets, spinning, weaving and building. Women make clay objects, train the small children, prepare the meals, and do other household activities. A woman may also raise her own crops on a small plot of land. The profits earned from selling these crops belong to the woman. Children take care of the small animals and help their older siblings or parents do other household chores.

Guduf villages are composed of several round buildings made of mud-brick and thatched roofs. The buildings are connected to one another by woven straw fences or hedges. The buildings are positioned so that there is an open area in the center. Each home has a kitchen, an attic and a room for the husband; the wife lives in a separate hut with her children. Separate rooms are added to the house when the children reach puberty. Young males are given their own square huts, where they live until they are married.

Although polygamy is permitted among the Guduf, most men usually have only one wife. Marriages are almost always arranged by the parents; children do not choose their own mates. When families reach an agreement, the husband-to-be’s family gives a bride price to the bride's parents.

Guduf culture contains various arts, such as vocal and instrumental music. Some tribes, such as the Fali, are highly skilled musicians and singers. Their main musical instruments include whistles, flutes, horns, harps, and drums. These instruments are played during festivals and at special ceremonies.

What Are Their Beliefs?

Each Guduf clan has its own "therapist-diviner" or medicine man, who benefits the community by providing various medicines. He also serves as a mediator between the people and the spirits, performing minor surgical procedures. The community compensates the medicine man with modest rewards gifts.

Most Guduf people believe in a single god who is the creator of all things and who maintains order in his creation. They hold that this god intervenes only when that order has been disturbed. The Kirdi do not pray to this god but instead to their ancestors and to spirits, whom they believe will intercede on their behalf. The Guduf view the Earth as the "mother goddess" that has given birth to all other "supernatural" beings, including thunder and lightning, black snakes, crocodiles and certain inanimate objects.

What Are Their Needs?

The Guduf must understand that the Creator is not an impersonal God but a loving Savior who truly cares for them. Currently, they possess a spiritual worldview that acknowledges a creator, yet their devotion remains focused on the spirit world rather than on the only Savior.

Prayer Points

Ask the Lord to send out laborers who will share the good news with the Guduf.
Pray that the Lord will increase their hunger for the Word of God and open their eyes to the Truth.
Pray there will soon come a day when Guduf disciples will make more disciples.

Text Source:   Joshua Project