In fact, they now speak a Kuka dialect. All of the groups speak Sara-Baguirmi languages, which are mutually understandable. Arabic is also spoken as a trade language. During the 1600's, the Bilala conquered the Kuka and settled on their land. Today, they remain the largest and most politically dominant group.
Women usually have their own plots of land near their homes.
There, they cultivate vegetables for family consumption or for sale. Wild rice, roots, locust beans, and wild fruits are also gathered from the forests near Lake Fitri. Some of the Lisi combine farming with herding. They often have sheep, horses, camels, and a few cattle. Unlike most of their southern neighbors, the Lisi milk their animals and make butter.