Peace Corps Zarma Agricultural Language Manual

COURSE OVERVIEW
This guide is designed for Zarma language training of Peace Corps workers in agriculture in Nigeria, and reflects daily communication needs in that context. An introductory section provides background information on the program's objectives and its role in the Nigerian village context. Some useful phrases are introduced here. Subsequent sections focus on specific aspects of the agricultural situation and program: the agricultural cycle (seasons, tools, planting and harvest); soil restoration; gardening; environmental protection and wood conservation; live materials for fencing; tree identification; natural regeneration; improved cook-stoves ; local health and hygiene issues; volunteer acculturation; and other community activities related to the program. Each section contains information on the volunteer's role in regard to that program aspect, useful related vocabulary and phrases, and a sample dialogue for each of a number of sub-topics. Some technical and local horticultural information is also provided. Vocabulary lists are in English, Zarma, and French.


PROGRAMS THAT USED THIS LANGUAGE
Benin: 1968-present
Burkina Faso: 1967-1987, 1995-present
Ghana: 1961-present
Niger: 1962-2011; Currently Not Active

PROGRAM SECTORS
Benins: Education, Environment, Agriculture, Health, Business
Burkina Faso: Education, Health, Environment
Ghana: Education, Environment, Agriculture, Health
Niger: Currently Not Active

The Zarma people are a people of westernmost Niger and adjacent areas of Burkina Faso, Benin, Ghana and Nigeria. The Zarma language is one of the Songhai languages, a branch of the Nilo-Saharan language family. Because of the common language and culture, they are sometimes referred to as "Zarma Songhay" (also spelled "Zarma-Songhai").

Zarma actually constitute several dozen smaller ethnic groups, who were either indigenous to the era prior to the Songhai Empire and have assimilated into the Zarma people, or else are people of Zarma origins who have differentiated themselves some time in the precolonial period (through dialect, political structure, or religion).

Groups usually referred to as part of the Zarma or Songhay, but who have traceable historical distinctions include the Gabda, Kado, Tinga, and Sorko peoples. The Zarma live in the arid lands of the Sahel. Many live in the Niger River valley and exploit the river for irrigation. They grow millet, sorghum, rice.

Zarma Djerma is spoken in: Mali, Benin, Nigeria, Ghana, Burkina Faso

Zarma Djerma is also called: Adzerma, Djerma, Dyabarma, Dyarma, Dyerma, Zabarma, Zarbarma, Zarmaci, Zerma