August 2004

World View

Digo of Tanzania, East Africa

Although 99.5 percent of the Digo people consider themselves Muslim, animism and witchcraft may have a greater influence on them. Witch doctors are consulted regularly, and blood sacrifices are very significant. Most Digo live on small farms and produce little more than enough for survival. Their homes are made of stick and mud with a thatched roof. Floors are dirt, but are kept swept clean.

As the head of family units, elderly men are highly respected and are very influential in their villages. Most women do not read, and the literacy rate among the Digo is about 50 percent. The book of Genesis has been translated into the Digo language, and work has been started on the Gospel of Luke. There are some tapes of gospel recordings available in their language. There are a few churches in the Digo area, but few Digo attend these churches. There are also many mosques, and these are well attended.