The Fulbe are one of the largest and most widely dispersed ethnic groups in Africa, with a history that is both ancient and complex. While their exact origin is a subject of scholarly debate, the prevailing theory suggests they emerged as a distinct group in the Senegambia region of West Africa thousands of years ago. Linguistic and genetic evidence points to a heritage that combines West African agriculturalist roots with North African or Sahelian pastoralist influences, which explains their historically nomadic lifestyle centered around cattle herding.
For centuries, the Fulbe migrated across the Sahel and West Africa, following grazing routes for their livestock. This nomadic existence led to the establishment of Fulbe communities from Senegal to as far as Sudan, making them a transnational ethnic group with a shared language (Fula/Pulaar), culture, and a strong Islamic faith.