Introduction / History

The Aguna people, also known as Awuna, are an ethnic group found primarily in Benin and Togo. They speak the Aguna language, a member of the Gbe language family, which is part of the larger Niger-Congo phylum. The language is stable and widely spoken within the community, though it is not taught in schools, and literacy in Aguna remains low.Historically, the Aguna have lived in the Zou, Kouffo, and Collines departments of Benin, and in adjacent areas of Togo. They identify as a distinct ethnic group, and there are no major dialect differences within the language. Migration patterns suggest movement between rural and urban areas, often driven by economic needs.

What Are Their Lives Like?

The Aguna are primarily subsistence farmers, cultivating crops such as maize, cassava, and yams. Their communities are rural, and the infrastructure is limited. Access to education and healthcare is often inadequate, contributing to cycles of poverty and migration. Despite these challenges, the Aguna maintain strong cultural traditions and community bonds.

What Are Their Beliefs?

The dominant religion among the Aguna is animism, a belief system in which natural entities—such as animals, plants, and objects—are thought to possess spiritual essence. While 35% of the population identifies as Christian, only 8% are considered evangelical. Traditional beliefs remain deeply rooted, and Christianity is often practiced alongside indigenous spiritual customs.

What Are Their Needs?

Spiritual outreach is essential, as many have not yet heard the gospel in a culturally relevant way. Bible translation and access to Christian media in the Aguna language are lacking. Educational resources in their language are minimal, contributing to low literacy rates.Healthcare and infrastructure improvements are needed in rural areas.

Prayer Items

Pray that soon Agua disciples will disciple others, leading to spiritual blessing for the entire community.Ask God to raise up local believers and missionaries to share the gospel effectively.Pray for economic opportunities and improved access to education and healthcare.Intercede for spiritual openness, that the Aguna would encounter Christ in transformative ways.

Scripture Prayers for the Aguna in Benin.

References

AI generated by CopilotPeopleGroups.org: Aguna ProfileSIL International: Aguna Sociolinguistic Survey