TheLisi people are three closely associatedChadian ethnic groups living in the same geographical area, represented by theBatha andChari-Baguirmiprefectures: theBilala (136,000), theKuka (76,000) and theMedogo (19,000).[1]
The Lisi are mainly farmers growing crops such assorghum,millet,cotton andmanioc; herding is occasionally associated with farming. They live in compact villages, each of which is governed by a chief, that settles local disputes, a duty he discharges with the help of the village's elders.Polygamy is quite common, but the husband must guarantee a separate house for every wife. The first wife retains a privileged status over the others.
In religion they are allMuslim, and represent the people who were part of theYao Sultanate in pre-colonial Chad. The sultanate was founded by theBulala in the 15th century, conquering the Kuka, who successively passed them their language. For this they all now speak the same language, known asNaba language.