Unreached People: Bara

The Bara live in small village communities of 50 to 300 people, scattered across the grasslands of south-central Madagascar, not very accessible by road. Much of their lifestyle revolves around the care of their cattle and their rice fields, however changes are taking place due to the discovery of sapphires in their area. Many other tribal groups have come to dig for gemstones. The traditional Bara authority structure gives power and respect to the Lonaky, a family and community leader responsible for the spiritual and material well-being of the village.