https://en.sputniknews.africa/20250429/fulani-new-study-maps-genetic-journey-of-africas-nomadic-giants-1072451377.html
Fulani: New Study Maps Genetic Journey of Africa’s Nomadic Giants
Fulani: New Study Maps Genetic Journey of Africa’s Nomadic Giants
Sputnik Africa
A new genomic study has revealed important insights into the genetic history of the Fulani people, one of Africa’s largest pastoralist communities. The... 29.04.2025, Sputnik Africa
2025-04-29T15:25+0200
2025-04-29T15:25+0200
2025-04-29T15:25+0200
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Fulani: New Study Maps Genetic Journey of Africa’s Nomadic Giants
Sputnik Africa
A new genomic study has revealed important insights into the genetic history of the Fulani people, one of Africa’s largest pastoralist communities. The research challenges long-held ideas about ethnicity and identity, shedding light on how migration and environmental factors shaped the group over millennia.
The Fulani, a 40-million-strong pastoralist community spread across Africa, have long been considered a culturally distinct group. But new genomic research analyzing DNA from over 400 individuals across seven countries reveals a far more complex story—one shaped by centuries of migration, regional mixing, and unique genetic adaptations that helped them thrive from the Sahel to the Savannah.In a conversation with Global South Pole, Dr. Cesar Fortes-Lima, one of the researchers of the study and a full-time instructor of population genomics at Johns Hopkins University, explained that the Fulani people’s genetic makeup is a reflection of their long history of mobility and contact with various groups. He emphasized that while the Fulani are often considered a homogeneous group, genetics reveals a much more diverse and complex picture.The genomic expert also disclosed that the study aimed to fill a significant gap in genetic research, particularly in African populations, which are often underrepresented. He pointed out that understanding African genetic diversity was crucial for the wider scientific community.To listen to the whole discussion, tune in to the Global South Pole podcast, brought to you by Sputnik Africa.In addition to the website, you can also catch our episodes on Telegram.► You can also listen to our podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Deezer, Castbox, Pocket Casts, Afripods, Podcast Addict, Overcast, and Mave Stream.► Check out all the episodes of Global South Pole.
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Fulani: New Study Maps Genetic Journey of Africa’s Nomadic Giants
Aliyu Bello
Correspondent, Podcast Host
A new genomic study has revealed important insights into the genetic history of the Fulani people, one of Africa’s largest pastoralist communities. The research challenges long-held ideas about ethnicity and identity, shedding light on how migration and environmental factors shaped the group over millennia.
The Fulani, a 40-million-strong pastoralist community spread across Africa, have long been considered a culturally distinct group. But new genomic research analyzing DNA from over 400 individuals across seven countries reveals a far more complex story—one shaped by centuries of migration, regional mixing, and unique genetic adaptations that helped them thrive from the Sahel to the Savannah.
In a conversation with Global South Pole, Dr. Cesar Fortes-Lima, one of the researchers of the study and a full-time instructor of population genomics at Johns Hopkins University, explained that the Fulani people’s genetic makeup is a reflection of their long history of mobility and contact with various groups. He emphasized that while the Fulani are often considered a homogeneous group, genetics reveals a much more diverse and complex picture.
“So we know that at least from 7,000 years ago, and until today, they had been in contact with other groups, and they had the contributions from [other] individuals from the Maghreb region, West Africa […] In the Fulani, they have a lot of admixtures, but some groups, they have less than others. So, within the Fulani, you have this diversity that is really unique,” he said.
The genomic expert also disclosed that the study aimed to fill a significant gap in genetic research, particularly in African populations, which are often underrepresented. He pointed out that understanding African genetic diversity was crucial for the wider scientific community.
“In genetics, we've been focusing a lot on European populations, of people with European ancestry. So in my research, I tried to generate more data, and I tried to analyze more African populations. The more we know about the genetic diversity in Africa, the more we know about the genetic diversity in humans,” Dr. Fortes-Lima stressed.
To listen to the whole discussion, tune in to the Global South Pole podcast, brought to you by Sputnik Africa.
In addition to the website, you can also catch our episodes on
Telegram.► Check out all the episodes of Global South Pole. 
