Jola-Fonyi in Gambia


Population
Main Language
Largest Religion
Christian
Evangelical
Progress
Progress Gauge

Introduction / History

The Jola are a friendly people who are very relaxed and known for their charm towards strangers. Family is central to the Jola culture and all are treated equal while performing their roles in the village. Rice, millet, corn, and peanuts are grown as the primary means of support.

Folk or popular Islam is the predominant religion. The traditional Islamic beliefs have been changed from the true meaning in order to fit pre-existing fears and beliefs. Their desire to follow Allah is out of fear, not love for him. The Jola believe in both good and evil spirits. The good spirits protect houses from curses and other troubles while the evil ones demand sacrifices. Shrines are also very prevalent with various meanings attached to each one.

The great majority of the Jola claim to be Muslim, although African traditional practices are mixed with it. Polygamy is common.

Mostly farmers, the Jola-Fonyi raise peanuts and rice. The women are responsible for gardening, rice, food preparation, care of the house and children. The men cultivate and produce the cash crops: peanuts, citrus fruits, and mangoes.

There is no caste system among the Jolas, and family relationships are very strong. They strongly depend on each other for their survival.

Primarily farmers, the Kasa use very basic tools to raise a variety of vegetables, as well as manioc and rice. The Kasa raise sheep, cattle, and goats. Women gather kola nuts, berries, and palm nuts.

Jola Fonyi people are largely Muslim, with a substantial number practicing African traditional religion and a small percentage of Christians. Young people are taken to "bush schools" when they reach puberty, at which time they are circumcised.

They prefer to marry cousins and ask for the bride price in the form of livestock.


Where Are they Located?

The Jola reside in southwestern Senegal in isolated, forested regions of the Casamance with smaller concentrations in the southern part of The Gambia and northern Guinea-Bissau.


Prayer Points

Pray that the Jola people will hear and understand the word of God in their heart language.
Pray that respected leaders and elders of villages to give lives to Christ.
Pray that the medical and nutritional needs of these people will be met.
Pray that peace will reign in the Casamance region where many Jola reside.
Pray that the Lord of the harvest will send out laborers to the Jola people.


Scripture Prayers for the Jola-Fonyi in Gambia.


Profile Source:   West Africa Gateway 

People Name General Jola-Fonyi
People Name in Country Jola-Fonyi
Alternate Names Diola; Dyola; Feleupe; Felupe; Fogny
Population this Country 142,000
Population all Countries 509,000
Total Countries 4
Indigenous Yes
Progress Scale 4
Unreached No
Frontier People Group No
GSEC 1  (per PeopleGroups.org)
Pioneer Workers Needed
People ID 11568
ROP3 Code 102625
ROP25 Code 303409
ROP25 Name Jola-Fonyi
Country Gambia
Region Africa, West and Central
Continent Africa
10/40 Window Yes
Persecution Rank Not ranked
Location in Country West Coast division: southwest.   Source:  Ethnologue 2016
Country Gambia
Region Africa, West and Central
Continent Africa
10/40 Window Yes
Persecution Rank Not ranked
Location in Country West Coast division: southwest..   Source:  Ethnologue 2016
Primary Religion: Islam
Major Religion Percent
Buddhism
0.00 %
Christianity  (Evangelical 4.00 %)
7.00 %
Ethnic Religions
6.00 %
Hinduism
0.00 %
Islam
78.00 %
Non-Religious
0.00 %
Other / Small
9.00 %
Unknown
0.00 %
Primary Language Jola-Fonyi (142,000 speakers)
Language Code dyo   Ethnologue Listing
Primary Dialect Fogny
Dialect Code 1883   Global Recordings Listing
Language Written Yes   ScriptSource Listing
Total Languages 1
Primary Language Jola-Fonyi (142,000 speakers)
Language Code dyo   Ethnologue Listing
Primary Dialect Fogny
Dialect Code 1883   Global Recordings Listing
Total Languages 1
People Groups Speaking Jola-Fonyi
Photo Source Link Up Africa 
Map Source Anonymous  
Profile Source West Africa Gateway 
Data Sources Data is compiled from various sources. Learn more.