The People of Mali
The Gourma is home to many ethnic groups and our team is working closely with the community on many levels to engage with these groups. We are specifically concerned with the health issues impacting the people living near Lake Banzena.
The heavy use of the lake by people, livestock and elephants has resulted in a deplorable health situation, with endemic bilharzia, stomach problems, vomiting, and miscarriages. Those most affected by these diseases are children and women. Of 311 children, 67% are infected with bilharzia, and 42% of stomach aches and vomiting. Of the 227 women, 54% are suffering from stomach pains and vomiting, and 37% have suffered miscarriages in the past 2 years. According to health workers, all these diseases are linked to consumption of contaminated water from the lake.
The connection is clear, and the villagers understand that the health of the elephants also indicates the health of their community. “We don’t want the elephants to disappear, because if the elephants disappear, it means the environment is no longer good for humans,” Malian villager.
More about the Tribes of Mali
The Fulani (Puhl) tribe is a nomadic and pastoral ethnic group. They live in 16 African countries. In Mali, although they live in all regions, they live predominately in the Mopti region. They herd cattle, goats, and sheep around the agricultural populations. Fula are predominately Muslim and speak Fulfulde. One can identify them by light skin and long hair. As far as clothing is concerned, they wear a long blue robe or “boubou.” Fula women are known as cow-milk sellers
The Touaregs are located in the north of Mali in and around the Sahara desert. We can find Touaregs across northern Africa in Niger, Algeria, and Burkina Faso. They are predominately Muslim. They are especially known for their jewelry and leatherwork. Like most Africans, Touaregs held slaves in the past. They resisted French colonization for a long period. Nowadays some Touaregs are experimenting with farming. Some have been forced by desertification to abandon herding and seek jobs in cities and town. After the Touareg rebellion of the 1990′s, many Touaregs were hired into civil service, particularly the police and military forces in the north. Touareg are known as meat eaters and tea drinkers. Despite being almost entirely Islamic and accompanying promotion of polygamy, Touaregs take only one wife. Their society is very hierarchical, with definite castes for artisans and other professions. They make up 6% of the Malian population.
