People
Who they are
The Tofin, also called Tofinu, live in southern Benin, in the communes of Sô-Ava and Aguégués, in wooden houses on stilts around Ganvié, on Lake Nokoué, and travel by canoe. Ganvié was founded in the 17th century by people fleeing wars between peoples and slave hunters. The Tofin language belongs to the Gbe group. A study published in 2011 showed that the Tofin understand Fon and Gun well, but prefer to learn to read in their own language.
Where they live
1
Country
178K
Population
| Country | Share of the people | Population |
|---|---|---|
Benin Partially reached
|
100%
|
174.000 |
How they live
In Ganvié, men work in fishing, farming and transport on the lake, and pass on their knowledge of fishing and navigation to their children. Women are at the heart of the local economy as traders and craftswomen, and the market operates every day, with goods displayed in canoes. Elders guide decisions about land use and fishing rights.
What they believe
Most Tofin follow traditional religion. There is also a Christian minority that includes Evangelicals. Portions of the Bible in Tofin were published in 2025, and the New Testament is not yet available in the language.
The Bible in this people's language
A people only truly understands the gospel when they hear it in the language of their heart. See how far the translation has come.
Tofin Gbe
Portions translated
- Translation started Done
- Portions Current stage
- 3 New Testament Still ahead
- 4 Whole Bible Still ahead
Audio recordings Available
Jesus Film Available
Translation data: Joshua Project.
Gospel progress among the unreached
Christians (all traditions)27%
Evangelicals7%
Needs
In Ganvié, clean water is scarce and sanitation is poor. During the rainy season, flooding makes the situation worse, and residents fall ill with diarrhea and cholera. Many young people have little access to schooling and find few alternatives to traditional work. The Tofin also need Scriptures and teaching in the language their families understand best.
What to pray for
Intercede for this people
Pray for clean water and sanitation in the Tofin communities of Ganvié.
Pray for families in Ganvié to be protected from waterborne diseases and the effects of flooding.
Pray for the work of translating Scripture into Tofin and for literacy instruction in their own language.
Pray for Tofin Christians, who are a minority, to grow in their knowledge of the Word and in putting it into practice.
Pray for Tofin churches and for people trained to teach the Bible to families.
Pray for Gbe Tofin
Intercede for this people alongside Christians around the world.
Open the Prayer Calendar