The Fulani (or Fulbe as they are known) are traditionally nomadic pastoralists who have been influential in regional politics, economics, and histories throughout Western Africa for over a thousand years. They are the largest nomadic people group in the world and largely responsible for the introducing and spreading Islam throughout much of Western Africa.

Today, however, many of the Fulani are having to exchange there nomadic way of life for a more sedentary existence due to drought caused by climate change and an increasing competitiveness for land. Although the Fulani tenaciously hold to their traditions they are having to face up to the realities of change lest they become increasingly more marginalised than they already are.

Fulani religion is largely, if not wholly, Islamic. Although there are varying degrees of orthodoxy exhibited throu-ghout Fulani society, most adhere to at least some of the basic requirements of the religion. It is usually the case that the wealthy and powerful are among the most religious, while those who have fewer resources are less likely to observe their religion so strictly. Islam has been used to justify the holy jihads that brought the northern territories of modern day Nigeria under Fulani leadership. It was not unusual that such political and economic gains would be made for the Fulani empire in the name of Islam.

Paul Riesman's Freedom in Fulani Social Life is based upon his two years of residence among the Jelgobe, a group of semi-nomadic Fulani of the Sahel in Burkina Faso, Western Africa.

Available from