History
Fula Toro in north eastern Senegal is said to be the cradle and original cultural homeland of the Fulani in Africa who began their migrations into the rest of the Sene-Gambia region in the 13th century. A number of research versions exist as to the origins of the Fula people. One hypothesis is that they were either Caucasians or Semites who had crossed the Sahara and entered the West African region. The other guess is that they originated in the lower basins of Senegal and the Gambia as a result inter-marriage between Saharan Berbers and the Serer and Wolofs. This resulted in two distinct racial groups of Fulani.
By the 7th century the Fulas became a distinct people and were among the first to embrace Islam and later became very active practicers of
the religion. In a determination to spread the religion, Jihads, or holy wars, were fought.
In the 19th century, they had five main settlements in Gambia that were located in the Upper River area. As the migrations continued some decided to settle in towns and villages. Some did inter-marry between the local indigenous groups yet they firmly held onto their cultural heritage and traditions.
The various Fulani states and empires that had emerged in the 19th century were eventually destroyed by the Europeans so that by 1917 only the Fulladu Empire had maintained their independence but even this empire was soon broken up.
By the 7th century the Fulas became a distinct people and were among the first to embrace Islam and later became very active practicers of
the religion. In a determination to spread the religion, Jihads, or holy wars, were fought.
In the 19th century, they had five main settlements in Gambia that were located in the Upper River area. As the migrations continued some decided to settle in towns and villages. Some did inter-marry between the local indigenous groups yet they firmly held onto their cultural heritage and traditions.
The various Fulani states and empires that had emerged in the 19th century were eventually destroyed by the Europeans so that by 1917 only the Fulladu Empire had maintained their independence but even this empire was soon broken up.
Present
Social Problems
The rural Fulani are currently facing many problems. Drought often reduces their water supply and pasture, and disease have also struck the herds. Due to modernization, there is less land available for herding, and conflicts with settled people have increased, as they cross political and land borders. Many governments are also curtailing the Fulanis' movements or trying to force them to settle down.
Role in the Present
The Fulani people are mostly peaceful with their neighbors, settling down among their sedentary neighbors, intermarrying and establishing trading contacts for future business transactions.
Where the Fulani have significant numbers, such as Nigeria, they have a strong influence on government politics and the military.
Where the Fulani have significant numbers, such as Nigeria, they have a strong influence on government politics and the military.