Djerma

Djerma, also known as Zarma, is a West African ethnic group and language community primarily located in Niger, with smaller populations in Benin and Nigeria. The Djerma are among Niger’s largest ethnic groups, traditionally inhabiting the Niger River valley and surrounding plains where agriculture and trade have long been central to daily life.

The Djerma language, Zarma, is a Songhai language in the Nilo-Saharan language family. It is widely used as a regional lingua franca in parts of Niger and has several dialects. Zarma is written in the Latin alphabet in most modern contexts, though historical Ajami (Arabic script) forms have also been used.

Culturally, the Djerma are predominantly Muslim, with customs and practices tied to farming cycles, markets, and family life. Social organization is typically organized around extended kin networks, and people participate in regional trade along the Niger River as well as in urban centers. Traditional dress and music, including dances and drums, remain important in community ceremonies and celebrations. Many Djerma people are urban residents in cities such as Niamey, while others maintain rural agricultural livelihoods growing millet, sorghum, and other crops.

Historically, the Djerma are associated with the broader Songhai cultural sphere and have interacted with neighboring groups along the Niger River. During the colonial era, Niger was part of French West Africa, and post-independence the Djerma have contributed to the country’s political, economic, and social life. Contemporary dynamics include urbanization, education, and diaspora movements within West Africa and beyond.

Notes: The terms Djerma and Zarma are often used interchangeably, with regional variations in usage. The community shares cultural and historical links with neighboring Songhai and Hausa groups.