Takwane in Mozambique

People Name:	Takwane
Country:	Mozambique
10/40 Window:	No
Population:	398,000
World Population:	398,000
Primary Language:	Takwane
Primary Religion:	Ethnic Religions
Christian Adherents:	25.00 %
Evangelicals:	1.50 %
Scripture:	New Testament
Ministry Resources:	Yes
Jesus Film:	Yes
Audio Recordings:	Yes
People Cluster:	Bantu, Makua-Yao
Affinity Bloc:	Sub-Saharan Peoples
Progress Level:

Introduction / History

The Takwane are mainly an agricultural people. They clear their farm plots by burning and plant maize and manioc when it rains in November. The rainy season continues until February. Since they live near the border to Malawi where produce is a good price, they take their goods there by bicycle. Many of the Takwane first heard the gospel when they were refugees in Malawi during the war in Mozambique (1980s).

There are quite a few small churches throughout the area. These churches are served by itinerating pastors who are not Takwane. The pastor might visit the church every few months. Takwane pastors need to be trained. The Takwane area has only two sources of jobs. There is one tea plantation operating and there are government jobs. Since there are very few schools, qualifying for high paying government jobs is rare. Many students who do attend school cannot afford paper and pencils to do their lessons. The Takwane live in beautiful farmland with rolling hills and some dramatic rocky outcrops. They have fertile soil for their crops. Many of them live in homes made from local bricks that are better able to withstand the torrential rains.