NHARO

"The Nharo live in the western part of the Ghanzi district in Botswana. They are sandwiched between the !Xo to the south and the !Kung to the north. Water is relatively available as they are located along the Ghanzi ridge. It is a mixed sedimentary and volcanic formation which is about 100 to 150 kilometres wide. Limestone is main water trapping contributor.

Traditionally, it seems the Nharo spend the dry season camping at water holes. In the wet summer seasons they used to scatter to the more outlying areas. Today - even though this pattern is followed to some extend - they live permanently at ranch water holes in the Ghanzi and Xanages farm blocks. Goat herding and the occasional wage labour largely supplement the traditional Nharo means of subsistence.

Not having a highly developed political system, the oldest man in the band is the headman and his wife the headwoman. However, these titles do not imply any authority over the other members. Gifts are given in a delayed system and on request only. In some instances it may suggest mutual rights to use the land.

Fetching water whenever needed, gathering food for the family in the morning, and collecting firewood in the late afternoon are all part of a woman's tasks. She also do most the fire tending, cooking and hut building although her husband might share these duties from time to time. Hunting is exclusively the man's job. If a hunt is unsuccessful the hunter will gather some food on his way back out of fear of his wife's annoyance at his lack of success. Women and children tend to work more than men.

Leisure time is spent around the fire. Story telling is especially popular. Being engaged in more than one conversation is perfectly acceptable; however, it is considered impolite to engage in conversation with individuals sitting at another fire.

Nharo custom suggests that a man must ""take"" his woman. Marriage is a gradual process and there is no distinction between the boyfriend-girlfriend relationship and the husband-wife relationship. Marriages should be confirmed by gifts from husbands to their wives. A small feast is given at the birth of children. Adultery is a crime against one's spouse.

Nladi-ba is the term used for referring to their god. In a secular sense this term means sky. The moon and the sun are considered to be the mothers of Nladi-ba's children. He is the creator of the world and established the customs of the Nharo through their ancestors the ""Oldest Parents"". All Nharo become evil spirits when they die, whether they were good or bad during their life time. Even though the Nharo are afraid of spirits, they are frequently called upon by the medicine men for healing."

• Country: Botswana
• Population (year): 1.5 million (1995)
• Major Religion: Christian
• Percent Christian: 62%
• Percent Evangelical: 4.4%
• Openness to Missionaries: Open

"1. HAVE THEY HEARD THE GOSPEL?

Who is Jesus Christ to them? 10% Believe Jesus is the Son of God

2. HAVE THEY RESPONDED TO THE GOSPEL?

Believers to population: 1 believer to every *10 persons (total believers - *500)(*10%)

3. DO THEY HAVE A CHURCH?

It is not clear whether there are any indigenous Nharon churches; however, indications suggest that there are none.

4. DOES THIS PEOPLE HAVE THE WORD OF GOD TRANSLATED INTO THEIR MOTHER TONGUE?

No.

5. ANY HINDRANCES TO SCRIPTURE DISTRIBUTION?

The literacy rate is very low.

6. WHAT OTHER FORMS OF GOSPEL PRESENTATIONS ARE AVAILABLE?

Don't know.

7. ARE THEY RECEPTIVE TO CHANGE AND TO CHRISTIANITY?

Their culture is slowly changing through their contact with Tswana and White farmers in the region.

8. DO THEY REQUIRE OUTSIDE (CROSS-CULTURAL) ASSISTANCE?

Yes, the gospel needs to be presented to them in a clear and understandable way."