Amhara, Wollo in Ethiopia

People Name:	Amhara, Wollo
Country:	Ethiopia
10/40 Window:	Yes
Population:	6,656,000
World Population:	6,656,000
Primary Language:	Amharic
Primary Religion:	Islam
Christian Adherents:	2.90 %
Evangelicals:	0.20 %
Scripture:	Complete Bible
Ministry Resources:	Yes
Jesus Film:	Yes
Audio Recordings:	Yes
People Cluster:	Ethio-Semitic
Affinity Bloc:	Horn of Africa Peoples
Progress Level:

Introduction / History

The 1880s and 1890s were a difficult time for the Wallo people as they were involved in a rebellion against the occupying forces of the Abyssinians. The Wallos were united under the leadership of Sheik Tola Jaafar, who was partially defeated. This rebel leader fled to Sudan to gain outside military assistance, then returned to Wallo to continue his armed struggle until 1910.

In the 21st century some of the Wallo have joined other groups in their rebellion against the Ethiopian government. Some Wollo organizations want independence, but because of their lack of unity, this will probably not happen.

Where Are they Located?

Wallo is a province in northeastern Ethiopia. This is probably the homeland of the Wallo Amhara.

What Are Their Lives Like?

Most Wallo people are subsistence farmers who use farming tools that have long since been abandoned by farmers in the developed world. A small number of them live in urban centers.

What Are Their Beliefs?

Though most Amhara subgroups are Christian, others, like the Wallos, are not. All Amhara people, be they Christian or Muslim, adhere to traditional religious practices. When faced with a serious need or crisis, the Wallo people will look to traditional religion rather than Islam for help.

What Are Their Needs?

Agricultural experts who are familiar with farming in developing countries can help the Wallo people gain a better harvest. They can help the Wallo people to develop irrigation systems and introduce Green Revolution technology.

Prayer Points

Pray for believers who know how to help increase crop yields will go as Christ's ambassadors to the Wallo people.
Pray for a peaceful solution between the Ethiopian government and the Wallo peoples.
Pray that believers from other Amhara subgroups will introduce Jesus to the Wallo people.
Pray that soon there will be a rapidly growing church planting movement among the Wallo people.