People
Who they are
The Ikizu live in Bunda District in the Mara region of northern Tanzania. They are also called the Ikiizo or Waikizu. Their language is very close to Sizaki, with few differences in pronunciation and almost identical vocabulary and grammar. The Ikizu and Sizaki see themselves as distinct peoples, but the Sizaki have accepted the Ikizu writing system and Bible translation as their own. There is a 2024 edition of the New Testament in Ikizu.
Where they live
1
Country
116K
Population
| Country | Share of the people | Population |
|---|---|---|
Tanzania Partially reached
|
100%
|
112.000 |
How they live
Raising cattle and farming are part of daily life for the Ikizu. A 2013 study recorded the cultivation of cassava, millet, sweet potatoes, peanuts and sesame in the area of Bukama and neighboring villages in Bunda. The same study says that the Waikizu lived mainly by raising cattle and farming.
What they believe
Traditional religion has the most followers among the Ikizu, and there are also Christians and Muslims. In 2011, the largest Christian group in the Mara region was Catholic, followed by Adventists, and there were also Mennonites, Anglicans and several small Pentecostal churches. According to a 2011 account, in Ikizu traditional religion the sun is the main god, deceased family members play an important role, and there are taboos and special places of worship, such as groves of trees.
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.
Ikizu
New Testament complete
- Translation started Done
- Portions Done
- New Testament Current stage
- 4 Whole Bible Still ahead
Audio recordings Not available
Jesus Film Available
Translation data: Joshua Project.
Gospel progress among the unreached
Christians (all traditions)35%
Evangelicals4%
Needs
In 2011, the Ikizu translator on the Bible team wanted her people to understand every word of the Scriptures. She herself had stopped attending Muslim worship services because she did not understand the Arabic being used. In the Mara region that year, some villages had no church, and anyone who wanted to attend a worship service had to travel to another village.
What to pray for
Intercede for this people
Pray for Ikizu farmers and cattle herders in the villages of Bunda.
Pray for a clear understanding of the New Testament in Ikizu, which the Sizaki also use.
Pray that Ikizu Christians will grow in faith and teach the Bible clearly in their own language.
Pray for the churches serving Ikizu villages and for the care of families who live far from a place of worship.
Pray for Ikizu
Intercede for this people alongside Christians around the world.
Open the Prayer Calendar