Introduction / History

The Serer-Safen (AKA, Safi) are an agricultural people living in the west of Senegal, southwest of and near Thies and the coast. They are among the three subgroups of the greater Serer peoples of West Africa, most of whom live in Senegal.

What Are Their Lives Like?

Serer-Safen society is built upon strong family ties and tradition. Farmers and herders, the Serer-Non live on a subsistence basis, relying on good crop yields for a prosperous year. The men cultivate peanuts and millet for the subsistence of his family and community. After this season the men often go to the cities to work. There is often a network of friends and family in the city for men to live with. When the growing season is over for the main crops, women plant gardens of peas, okra, onions and tomatoes on her husband's land or a small plot of her own. She may form irrigation ditches around these plantings or carry the water to the garden herself.

While the men leave for the city to work, Serer-Safen women stay at home caring for her family. The women work very hard, starting before daybreak preparing breakfast and working far into the evening preparing dinner and cleaning. They haul water, work in fields and care for nursing infants. Girls are expected to care for their siblings while the boys work in the fields with their father.

Celebrations among the Serer-Safen include weddings and baby naming ceremonies. Both celebrations involve feasts and gifts of money. The Serer-Safen enjoy song and dance, and it is not limited to special occasions. Funerals are a process that starts when a person dies. Wailing and mourning continues until the burial. A month later a feast is given for the friends and family of the deceased.

What Are Their Beliefs?

Serer-Safen adhere to traditional beliefs while most have converted to Islam. A small number are Roman Catholic. The Serer-Safen have been very gradual in accepting religions outside of their traditional beliefs. Even though people claim to have accepted Islam there are still many traditional beliefs included. Combining these two systems of beliefs is called "folk Islam".

All systems of belief among the Serer-Safen include a type of charm. The Muslims wear a picture of a Marabou (a holy Islamic man) and a portion of Koranic verses in their charm. This is believed to give the charm power and bless the wearer. Catholic believers wear a necklace with a picture of Christ or a Diocese in their charm. Animists wear a charm with a bone, shell or dried portion of an animal or ancestor who died long ago.

What Are Their Needs?

Desertification is causing the water table to drop each year, and water is becoming increasingly scarce. Spiritually, most Serer-Safens who practice Islam or Catholicism also retain many of their traditional animistic beliefs. It is these beliefs that need to be challenged with the gospel.

Prayer Items

Pray for the Lord to provide them with the water they need for their livestock and their crops.
Pray that Christians among the Serer-Safen will shine the light of the gospel in word and deed among their Muslim neighbors.
Pray for power encounters to show them that Jesus is Lord of all, especially their water needs.
Pray that soon Serer-Safen disciples will make more disciples.

Scripture Prayers for the Serer-Safen, Safi in Senegal.

References

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