The History of Paris Evangelical Missionary Society (PEMS) and Transformation of Barotseland, 1885-1904

Abstract

The study set out to reconstruct the history of the Paris Evangelical Missionary Society and how it contributed in the transformation of Barotseland from 1885-1905. Barotseland today is known as Western Province of Zambia. The study considered Barotseland as a study area and a period 1885-1905, because there was transformation on the political, social and economic organisation of many African societies in Barotseland. Data for this study was collected through primary and secondary sources. The secondary sources includes; books, journal, thesis and dissertations from the University of Zambia Repository and the main library. Primary sources includes; letters, notes books, annual reports, native reports, autobiographies and colonial administrative reports consulted from National Archive of Zambia (NAZ). Oral interviews was conducted to people who were linked with the Paris Evangelical Missionary Society. However, the study concluded that the Paris Evangelical Missionary Society in Barotseland contributed greatly in transforming the area through various activities such as introduction of the gospel, secular education, vocational training, agroforest and other agriculture practices. This outward influence was noticeable by variations in cultural and technological advancement of the Lozi people in Barotseland. These activities helped the Lozi people to become self-reliant and improved their standards of living.