The Fulani people are Africa’s largest idyllic group. There are 25-40 million Fulani people in 17 countries, from the Atlantic Coast of Senegal and Mauritania to Sudan.
Fulani has long intrigued social anthropologists for their complex cultural heritage. They raise mainly cows, goats and sheep in vast, dry Sahel regions. Some are nomadic people, but many adopt sedentary lifestyles. In the wide geographical belt they live in, they speak 11 dialects.
The origins and migration patterns of Fulani have been the subject of scientific debate. Certain physical properties are similar to those commonly observed in European populations. These, coupled with certain cultural practices, such as expansion, give the impression that their ancestors have come to West Africa from elsewhere.
One way to learn more about population history is to study genes. This also informs medical research.
African populations are underestimated in genomic studies. Only about 1.1% of the genomic data used to study the link between genes and diseases comes from people of African descent. This means that potential benefits of genomic research may be missed, such as early detection of diseases and drugs designed for specific biological targets.
The commonly available genomic dataset also lacks comprehensive Fulani DNA samples that cover the entire area of their population.
To address this gap, over a decade of field research was conducted among Fulani nomads across the Sahel/Savanna belt.
We are an international team of researchers specializing in human diversity and evolution. Our study explores human migration, adaptation, and cultural and genetic diversity. We wanted to reveal the genetic and evolutionary history of Fulani.
Our study revealed that all Fulani groups share a common genetic background. This has been shaped by centuries of migration and interactions with the diverse population of Africa. Their ancestors include influences from both North and West African populations.
Our Discoveries
Given the predominantly nomadic lifestyles and geographically dispersed campsites in Fulani, our researchers often traveled remotely. Field workers worked with Fulani interpreters and linguists to explain the purpose of the research into the community.
We secured biological samples and anthropological data from over 400 participants in seven countries: Mauritania, Senegal, Mali, Burkina Faso, Niger, Cameroon and Chad.
Genomic analysis confirms a clear Fulani genetic signature. This reflects deep ancestral ties with both North and West Africa. Traces of ancient North African ancestors, including influences from ancient iberomaurusians (later Stone Age hunter-gatherer), exist in all Fulani populations. This shows the population that migrated between the Sahel and Maghreb regions during the green Sahara period between 11,000 and 5,000 years ago.
Our findings also provide a close look at Fulani’s genetic ties with West African communities. The East Fulani population shares genetic affinity with central and East African groups.
This pattern is consistent with historical records of Fulani migration. It also highlights the role of continuous gene flows across the Sahel in shaping genetic diversity. Such genetic exchanges have contributed to Fulani’s resilience as pastoralists and may have enabled them to adapt to a variety of ecological and climatic conditions.
Our discoveries have surpassed our ancestors. Fulani were found to have genetic adaptations related to their environment and lifestyle. One example is the high prevalence of genetic traits that allow a person to digest milk beyond childhood to adults. It is often associated with the European and North African population, suggesting that genes once flowed from these regions. It must have been essential to maintaining Fulani’s dairy-based herding economy.
Another notable finding is the low susceptibility of Fulani to parasites responsible for severe malaria. The Sahelbert has a higher incidence of malaria.
Cultural and historical significance
Fulani’s genetic studies tell more about biological history as a population and enrich their understanding of their cultural and historical stories.
Sign up for the AllAfrica newsletter for free
Get the latest African news
success!
Almost finished…
You need to check your email address.
Follow the instructions in the email you sent to complete the process.
error!
There was a problem processing the submission. Please try again later.
The mixing and migration of populations reflected in their DNA corresponds to the oral traditions and historical accounts of Fulani movements across Africa. Some historians and linguists have reported that they have moved from Senegal to Mali via Guinea and then Lake Chad in the past, including via Nigeria and Niger.
The complex genetic diversity from a variety of sources reflects the ability to assimilate diverse cultural elements. It suggests a history of surviving challenging environments and health threats.
Fulani’s genetic adaptations, including their ability to digest milk and resist malaria, have had a major impact on their social structure and health outcomes. These characteristics have allowed them to thrive in a variety of environments.
Karina Schrevsch, professor of human evolution and genetics at Uppsala University. Population genomics instructor at Johns Hopkins University at Charles University, Johns Hopkins University instructor at Johns Hopkins University, Viktor-Cherný, Viktor-Cherný, Cesar Fortes-Lima
This article will be republished from the conversation under a Creative Commons license. Please read the original article.
