Introduction / History

The Nao People Group are part of the Gimira cluster which includes the Dizi, the Tsara, the Benesho and the She. They and the Nao and the others in the Gimira cluster, inhabit the extreme southern and southwestern reaches of the densely forested Kaffa highlands of southwestern Ethiopia. They reside in an altitude of 1500-2500 meters which is not easily accessible. As opposed to the Dizi, the Benesho and others who are migrants to the area, the Nao together with the Tsara were the indigenous inhabitants of the land. They speak Nayi language, an Omotic language which has 58% lexical similarity with Diizin.

What Are Their Lives Like?

The Nao subsist by farming. They supplement their diet through fishing and also gathering fruits and vegetables. The Nao were strong and numerous people and had their own kingdom before their active colonization by the Kaffa Kingdom in the mid 19th century. They are now reduced to a fewer number through the war and slavery they were subjected to. The active "Kaffanization" of their culture and language has played a role in their near extinction as a people group.

What Are Their Beliefs?

They are followers of an ethnic religion.

Prayer Items

Ask the Lord to reach these marginalized and geographically inaccessible people for His glory.
Pray to the Lord to send laborers to the field. Pray to the Lord to provide evangelistic resources in their language.

Scripture Prayers for the Nao in Ethiopia.