Who are the Alagwa?
The Alagwa live in 15 villages in a geographically remote area in the hills and mountains of central Tanzania. Although the Bubu river runs through the lower lands, the higher regions suffer from lack of water and they must often walk miles to find water to meet the needs of their families. They are subsistence farmers, growing maize and millet. They also keep cows, goats and sheep. They are very community oriented, living in houses made of burned brick with roofs of thatched grass. The Alagwa speak both Alagwaisa and Kiswahili.
What do they believe?
A tribal legend says that some Alagwa once visited Mecca but were rejected by the Muslims for having ‘no religion’ – only animistic beliefs. They later embraced Islam; now, over 90% are Muslims. However, they seamlessly blend traditional beliefs with Islamic ones. Allah, Mungu and Lala’a are all used to refer to God. So although they are called Muslims, their beliefs and practices are strongly steeped in their traditional ways of life.
What is being done to reach them?
From 2010 to 2013, a multi-cultural TIMO (Training In Ministry Outreach) team lived and worked among the Alagwa, learning their language and culture and helping with a project to provide a reliable community water supply. The TIMO team has ended, but several members have remained and form a Focus team, including the Pugh family from the UK. The beginning of a church has been planted.
