Kanuri

Africaintensive agriculturalists
Map
expand_more Description

The Kanuri constitute the largest population of Borno state in northeastern Nigeria. They are also found in large numbers in southeastern Niger. The Kanuri language belongs to the Saharan branch of the Nilo-Saharan family. Kanuri are the descendants of the ruling Saifawa family of the Kanem Empire (846-1893) which controlled trade routes linking North and West Africa. They converted to Islam in 1087. The Kanuri are primarily sedentary hoe agriculturalists, although today many work in commerce, transportation, and construction sectors, as well as in government and public-service jobs.

Identifier
Region
  • Africa
Subregion
  • Western Africa
Subsistence Type
  • intensive agriculturalists
Samples
Countries
  • Niger
  • Nigeria
External Links