Tocho in Sudan

Tocho
Photo Source:  Final Sudan 
Map Source:  Joshua Project / Global Mapping International
People Name: Tocho
Country: Sudan
10/40 Window: Yes
Population: 23,000
World Population: 23,000
Primary Language: Tocho
Primary Religion: Islam
Christian Adherents: 0.00 %
Evangelicals: 0.00 %
Scripture: Unspecified
Ministry Resources: No
Jesus Film: No
Audio Recordings: Yes
People Cluster: Nuba Mountains
Affinity Bloc: Sub-Saharan Peoples
Progress Level:

Introduction / History

The Tochos are a Muslim people group living in southern Sudan. They are defined by a language with the same name, Tocho.

What Are Their Lives Like?

Muslim Tochos have arranged marriages, and the groom s family must arrange for a dowry to the bride s family before the marriage. Since these people are herders, the dowry is usually paid in livestock. Marriages are formalized through a Nikah, an Islamic ceremony that requires the consent of the bride and her father or guardian. Muslim men like the Tochos can have more than one wife, but they live in separate huts with their children.

They are subsistence farmers who grow peanuts, millet, and sorghum. Most also raise cattle.

What Are Their Beliefs?

Though they identify as Muslims, there is much syncretism, especially in regard to festivals and ceremonies. They dress modestly, but everyone loves lively music, drumming, and dancing.

What Are Their Needs?

Like most people of southern Sudan, the Tochos lack adequate schools and medical clinics. These necessities are often not available because of fighting between government forces and rebels.

Prayer Points

Pray for peace and justice to reign in Sudan.
Pray for the Lord to be glorified by providing the local people with the food, education, and medical supplies they need.
Pray for Christ to show himself powerful and loving through notable healings.
Pray for Tocho disciples who will make more disciples.

Text Source:   Joshua Project