Introduction / History

The Nawdm, according to their oral history, had settled in Niamtougou of northeast Togo long before the German colonial period (1890-1914). Since then, Nawdm have migrated to central and southern Togo to farm in the cocoa plantations of Ghana. Presently, most Nawdm are in Niamtougou, also known as the home area, and the rest of the population is spread out over other areas of Togo and Ghana.

What Are Their Lives Like?

Nawdms are subsistence farmers and also raise livestock. Their cash crops are peanuts, palm nuts and palm oil, manioc, and cotton. Some work as masons, carpenters, tailors, blacksmiths, cooks, and civil workers. Some of the women have cooperatives making soap. Young men work in the fields or weave baskets and hats. Girls make donuts to sell in the market, care for children, and also make and sell millet beer.There are some schools in the area. The language of instruction is Nawdm and French, while all the textbooks are in French. There is a high dropout rate from school. Nawdms have a strong sense of belonging to their individual group, be it their clan, quartier or village. Each dialect group considers itself superior to the other. They celebrate carnival in February with costumes and traditional dances, and observe rituals for the whole village to ensure good crops.

What Are Their Beliefs?

The Evangelical Churches of West Africa first introduced Christianity to the group in 1937. In 1940, the Catholics came, and in the 1980s, the Assemblies of God Church began working in the Nawdm area. There is a strong Christian presence among them, though most keep their faith in their ancestral spirits.

What Are Their Needs?

Those who live in rural areas do not have access to hospitals when they face medical emergencies.

Prayer Items

Pray for spiritual renewal and power encounters that will give the Nawdms faith in Christ rather than traditional spirits.Pray that soon Nawdm disciples will take Christ to West African Muslims and animists.Pray for the Lord to purify their churches, giving them a love for the lost and a willingness to be Christ’s ambassadors.

Scripture Prayers for the Nawdm in Ghana.

References

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