Bakossi Tribe in Cameroon – BACDA, working for its empowerment and development
By Denise Nanni and Milena Rampoldi, ProMosaik. In the
following our interview with Dr. Ekomenzoge Metuge of the foundation BACDA caring about the development and empowerment of the Bakossi people, living on
the western and eastern slopes of Mount Mwanenguba and Mount Kupe in the
Bakossi Mountains of Cameroon.
following our interview with Dr. Ekomenzoge Metuge of the foundation BACDA caring about the development and empowerment of the Bakossi people, living on
the western and eastern slopes of Mount Mwanenguba and Mount Kupe in the
Bakossi Mountains of Cameroon.
What are the
reasons that brought to the foundation of BACDA-NRW (BACDA Germany) and what
are its activities?
reasons that brought to the foundation of BACDA-NRW (BACDA Germany) and what
are its activities?
Vision
Bakossi
Cultural and Develpment Association — North Rhine-Westphalia and BACDA Germany
visions are promotion of our Bakossi cultural heritage, mutual assistance,
development of our communities, where people, regardless of the social and
political divides, come together for mutual benefit, living in peaceful
co-existence.
Cultural and Develpment Association — North Rhine-Westphalia and BACDA Germany
visions are promotion of our Bakossi cultural heritage, mutual assistance,
development of our communities, where people, regardless of the social and
political divides, come together for mutual benefit, living in peaceful
co-existence.
Purpose
BACDA
– NRW or BACDA Germany works to reduce poverty, injustice and inequality and to
further economic and social development in partnership with people and
communities throughout the Bakossi Land in Cameroon. BACDA does this by sharing
and developing skills and ideas, facilitating organisational and social change
and building awareness of development issues. Promote educational programmes
and give assistance to schools and colleges in the Bakossi Land.
– NRW or BACDA Germany works to reduce poverty, injustice and inequality and to
further economic and social development in partnership with people and
communities throughout the Bakossi Land in Cameroon. BACDA does this by sharing
and developing skills and ideas, facilitating organisational and social change
and building awareness of development issues. Promote educational programmes
and give assistance to schools and colleges in the Bakossi Land.
Values
Self-determination: We value the
right of people and communities to determine and develop their own future.
right of people and communities to determine and develop their own future.
Empowerment: We are
committed to collective and individual empowerment.
committed to collective and individual empowerment.
Partnership: We believe that
working in partnership is central to effective economic, social and
organisational development within Europe and local organisations back in
Cameroon.
working in partnership is central to effective economic, social and
organisational development within Europe and local organisations back in
Cameroon.
Commitment
1.
Respond and adapt
to development challenges in the Bakossi Land
Respond and adapt
to development challenges in the Bakossi Land
2.
Promote and
protect the rights of disadvantaged communities.
Promote and
protect the rights of disadvantaged communities.
3.
Support our
partners to engage in policy development and debates in line with our shared
vision and values.
Support our
partners to engage in policy development and debates in line with our shared
vision and values.
4.
Run increasingly effective
programmes and continually improve in all areas of our work.
Run increasingly effective
programmes and continually improve in all areas of our work.
5.
Provide the
neccessary support or assistance to our communities in need of help.
Provide the
neccessary support or assistance to our communities in need of help.
6.
Promote gender
mainstream
Promote gender
mainstream
7.
Provide
assistance to schools and colleges in our Bakossi land.
Provide
assistance to schools and colleges in our Bakossi land.
Our Target Audience
1.
Rural and Urban
Poor
Rural and Urban
Poor
2.
Women
Women
3.
Children and
Youths
Children and
Youths
4.
Retrenched &
Retired Workers
Retrenched &
Retired Workers
Who are the Bakossi people?
The
Bakossi tribe is said to have been founded by a man called Ngoe. He was a
hunter. He got married to a wife by name Sumediang. Their children founded the
various clans not only in Kupe Muanenguba Division but also in some parts of
Meme and Mungo Divisions. It is believed he was buried at Mwekan.
Bakossi tribe is said to have been founded by a man called Ngoe. He was a
hunter. He got married to a wife by name Sumediang. Their children founded the
various clans not only in Kupe Muanenguba Division but also in some parts of
Meme and Mungo Divisions. It is believed he was buried at Mwekan.
The
Bakossi tribe is an affluent group of people made up of a myriad of families
and clans, all of whom share a common ancestry and culture. Bakossiland shares
boundaries with our cousins the Arbors, Mbohs, Bassosis, Bafaws, and is under
the administrative division of Kupe-Muanenguba of the South West Region, and
parts of the Littoral Region. Fertile, rich and shrouded in no small mystery,
our land has great mountains, rivers, lakes and dense forests. The Kupe
Muaneguba range, the twin lakes on Muanenguba and the gentle cool breeze that
have washed them over the ages are the source of many a great story, song, and
native as well as modern medicines.
Bakossi tribe is an affluent group of people made up of a myriad of families
and clans, all of whom share a common ancestry and culture. Bakossiland shares
boundaries with our cousins the Arbors, Mbohs, Bassosis, Bafaws, and is under
the administrative division of Kupe-Muanenguba of the South West Region, and
parts of the Littoral Region. Fertile, rich and shrouded in no small mystery,
our land has great mountains, rivers, lakes and dense forests. The Kupe
Muaneguba range, the twin lakes on Muanenguba and the gentle cool breeze that
have washed them over the ages are the source of many a great story, song, and
native as well as modern medicines.
Location
The
Bakossi tribe is found in the Tombel, Bangem, part of Nguti Sub Divisions of
Kupe Muanenguba Division in the South West Region and part of the Moungo Division of the Littoral Region.
Bakossi tribe is found in the Tombel, Bangem, part of Nguti Sub Divisions of
Kupe Muanenguba Division in the South West Region and part of the Moungo Division of the Littoral Region.
Relief
The
altitude ranges from 200 to 2,396 meters above sea level. The area has two
outstanding mountains, namely, Mount Kupe (2,050meters) and Mount Muanenguba
(2,396 meters). These mountains are of volcanic origin. In fact, they are
extinct volcanoes.
altitude ranges from 200 to 2,396 meters above sea level. The area has two
outstanding mountains, namely, Mount Kupe (2,050meters) and Mount Muanenguba
(2,396 meters). These mountains are of volcanic origin. In fact, they are
extinct volcanoes.
The
slopes of these mountains are made up of mainly fertile volcanic soils, which
are good for the cultivation of a wide range of crops, and sustain a high dense
tropical forest rich in both flora and fauna.
slopes of these mountains are made up of mainly fertile volcanic soils, which
are good for the cultivation of a wide range of crops, and sustain a high dense
tropical forest rich in both flora and fauna.
Generally,
the Bakossi land is of low gradient, punctuated with a few ridges and hills,
whose valleys had been deepened by run-off. The two sub divisions are drained
by a few rivers, with River Mungo being the biggest and longest. There are a
number of crater lakes, including the Muanenguba twin lakes and, Lake Bemweh,
which are a very significant tourist attraction.
the Bakossi land is of low gradient, punctuated with a few ridges and hills,
whose valleys had been deepened by run-off. The two sub divisions are drained
by a few rivers, with River Mungo being the biggest and longest. There are a
number of crater lakes, including the Muanenguba twin lakes and, Lake Bemweh,
which are a very significant tourist attraction.
Climate and vegetation
The
Bakossi land, like most areas in the South West Province, has two distinct
seasons: the dry season, which runs from November to March, and the rainy
season, which stretches from April to October. The rainfall is high, with a
yearly average of about 3,000 mm, spread over an average of over 150 rainy
days.
Bakossi land, like most areas in the South West Province, has two distinct
seasons: the dry season, which runs from November to March, and the rainy
season, which stretches from April to October. The rainfall is high, with a
yearly average of about 3,000 mm, spread over an average of over 150 rainy
days.
The
maximum temperature is about 30oC and the Minimum is about 10oC on the slopes
of Mount Muanenguba. The climate is warm in the lower altitude areas of Tombel
and some parts of Bangem Sub Divisions. In high-altitude areas such as Nyasoso
in Tombel Sub Division and most of Bangem Sub Division, it is generally cold.
These climatic variations create a favourable environment for growing a wide
range of crops and rearing almost all types of domestic animals.
maximum temperature is about 30oC and the Minimum is about 10oC on the slopes
of Mount Muanenguba. The climate is warm in the lower altitude areas of Tombel
and some parts of Bangem Sub Divisions. In high-altitude areas such as Nyasoso
in Tombel Sub Division and most of Bangem Sub Division, it is generally cold.
These climatic variations create a favourable environment for growing a wide
range of crops and rearing almost all types of domestic animals.
The
Bakossi land in Tombel Sub Division, Nguti Sub Division and most of Bangem Sub
Division is dominated by dense equatorial forest. There is still a large amount
of virgin forest mostly on the slopes of Mount Kupe and the plains of Bangem
Sub Division. Most of the forests are protected as reserves, such as the Mount
Kupe, Etam and Ekanjo Bajoh–Epen forest reserves.
Bakossi land in Tombel Sub Division, Nguti Sub Division and most of Bangem Sub
Division is dominated by dense equatorial forest. There is still a large amount
of virgin forest mostly on the slopes of Mount Kupe and the plains of Bangem
Sub Division. Most of the forests are protected as reserves, such as the Mount
Kupe, Etam and Ekanjo Bajoh–Epen forest reserves.
Some
parts of the forests have been transformed into industrial plantations and
small-scale farms. The Cameroon Development Corporation (CDC) operates the
biggest agricultural plantation complex in the area, occupying vast expanses of
land. There is extensive timber exploitation from these forests by logging
companies. As a result, a timber processing company was established in Etam,
but it was recently moved to another location. Despite the intensive logging,
Bakossi land still has a huge potential for timber exploitation. However, the
forests offer very little direct economic benefits to the inhabitants.
parts of the forests have been transformed into industrial plantations and
small-scale farms. The Cameroon Development Corporation (CDC) operates the
biggest agricultural plantation complex in the area, occupying vast expanses of
land. There is extensive timber exploitation from these forests by logging
companies. As a result, a timber processing company was established in Etam,
but it was recently moved to another location. Despite the intensive logging,
Bakossi land still has a huge potential for timber exploitation. However, the
forests offer very little direct economic benefits to the inhabitants.
In
some parts of Bangem Sub Division, the Bakossi land lies on the leeward slope
of the Muanenguba Mountain. The vegetation here is mainly savanna and stretches
to the Melong area in the Littoral Province. It is used for cattle rearing by
mostly Bororo herdsmen
some parts of Bangem Sub Division, the Bakossi land lies on the leeward slope
of the Muanenguba Mountain. The vegetation here is mainly savanna and stretches
to the Melong area in the Littoral Province. It is used for cattle rearing by
mostly Bororo herdsmen
Soils
Most
soils in the Bakossi land are naturally rich. The soils on the slopes of Mounts
Kupe and Muanenguba are very fertile volcanic soils, which are suitable for the
cultivation of a
soils in the Bakossi land are naturally rich. The soils on the slopes of Mounts
Kupe and Muanenguba are very fertile volcanic soils, which are suitable for the
cultivation of a
wide
range of both cash and food crops. In some places, they are interrupted with
sandy, clay, loam and sedimentary soils which are also very good for crop
production.
range of both cash and food crops. In some places, they are interrupted with
sandy, clay, loam and sedimentary soils which are also very good for crop
production.
Population
Less
than 250,000 people live in the Bakossi land, with a significant number from the
North West and West Provinces of Cameroon and from Nigeria. The main occupation
of the inhabitants is farming, as many take advantage of the fertile soils and
good climate. Over 80% of the population is involved in agriculture and
agriculture-related activities.
than 250,000 people live in the Bakossi land, with a significant number from the
North West and West Provinces of Cameroon and from Nigeria. The main occupation
of the inhabitants is farming, as many take advantage of the fertile soils and
good climate. Over 80% of the population is involved in agriculture and
agriculture-related activities.
Apart
from teaching and trading, there are hardly any other job opportunities, hence
the high rate of youth migration to towns and cities in search of white collar
jobs. With the onset of the economic crisis in the 90s and the fall in the
prices of agricultural produce on the world market, many youths left the
villages. It is, therefore, not surprising today to find some quasi-ghost
villages in Bakossi land. The rural exodus has left most of the villages with
an ageing population.
from teaching and trading, there are hardly any other job opportunities, hence
the high rate of youth migration to towns and cities in search of white collar
jobs. With the onset of the economic crisis in the 90s and the fall in the
prices of agricultural produce on the world market, many youths left the
villages. It is, therefore, not surprising today to find some quasi-ghost
villages in Bakossi land. The rural exodus has left most of the villages with
an ageing population.
The
settlement pattern is compact, and villages are ruled by chiefs. Chieftaincy is
not elective but inherited, principally by first sons. Polygamy is on the
decline in favour of monogamy because of modernization, education, economic
realities and the increasing adoption of Christian values. This therefore has a
direct impact on the population growth. The population of the Bakossi people
has been experiencing a huge downward trend over the years, with the attendant
political, economic and social consequences.
settlement pattern is compact, and villages are ruled by chiefs. Chieftaincy is
not elective but inherited, principally by first sons. Polygamy is on the
decline in favour of monogamy because of modernization, education, economic
realities and the increasing adoption of Christian values. This therefore has a
direct impact on the population growth. The population of the Bakossi people
has been experiencing a huge downward trend over the years, with the attendant
political, economic and social consequences.
What are the issues and challenges
that Bakossi people face in their land?
that Bakossi people face in their land?
Roads
The
region is handicapped by a poor road network. The main roads that are passable
most of the year are the Kumba–Tombel, Tombel-Bangem, Tombel-Loum,
Bangem-Melong and Ebonji-Ngombu-aku roads, thanks to regular maintenance work
carried out on some of them by the South West Development Authority (SOWEDA).
Otherwise, most of the roads are always in a deplorable state, especially
during the rainy season. Some parts of the region, especially in Ekanjoh Bajoh,
Epen, Ekona Mombo, and the western Bakossi area are landlocked. With the
opening and contraction of the Nguti – Bangem Road, villages like New Konye,
Babibok, Bemin, Ekanjoh Bajoh, and many more will be accessable though only
during the dry season.
region is handicapped by a poor road network. The main roads that are passable
most of the year are the Kumba–Tombel, Tombel-Bangem, Tombel-Loum,
Bangem-Melong and Ebonji-Ngombu-aku roads, thanks to regular maintenance work
carried out on some of them by the South West Development Authority (SOWEDA).
Otherwise, most of the roads are always in a deplorable state, especially
during the rainy season. Some parts of the region, especially in Ekanjoh Bajoh,
Epen, Ekona Mombo, and the western Bakossi area are landlocked. With the
opening and contraction of the Nguti – Bangem Road, villages like New Konye,
Babibok, Bemin, Ekanjoh Bajoh, and many more will be accessable though only
during the dry season.
Due to
the poor state of roads, the movement of people, goods and services is rendered
difficult and the extension of government and non-governmental services to the
hinterland is hampered, while unscrupulous middle men and women with vehicles
that can ply the roads rip off farmers. Other difficulties associated with the
absence of good roads in the Bakossi land include, but are not limited to, poor
prices for agricultural products, low productivity, disincentive to investment,
rural-urban migration, loss of human lives, and disincentive to travel to the
region.
the poor state of roads, the movement of people, goods and services is rendered
difficult and the extension of government and non-governmental services to the
hinterland is hampered, while unscrupulous middle men and women with vehicles
that can ply the roads rip off farmers. Other difficulties associated with the
absence of good roads in the Bakossi land include, but are not limited to, poor
prices for agricultural products, low productivity, disincentive to investment,
rural-urban migration, loss of human lives, and disincentive to travel to the
region.
Potable Water Supply
Only a
few towns and villages have pipe-borne water. Communities rely on streams,
rivers, springs and rainfall for water supply. Women and girls have to walk
long distances to fetch water which is time consuming and labour intensive.
Furthermore, there is high prevalence of water borne diseases in these
communities due to contamination of water sources. BACDA in this regard donated
funded part of the Muebah water project
in Bangem area.
few towns and villages have pipe-borne water. Communities rely on streams,
rivers, springs and rainfall for water supply. Women and girls have to walk
long distances to fetch water which is time consuming and labour intensive.
Furthermore, there is high prevalence of water borne diseases in these
communities due to contamination of water sources. BACDA in this regard donated
funded part of the Muebah water project
in Bangem area.
Rural Electrification
Only
Tombel, Nyasoso, Ngombu-aku, Muabong and Bangem are electrified. More than 80%
of the rural communities do not have access to electricity supply. This is one
of the factors of rural-urban migration by youths.
Tombel, Nyasoso, Ngombu-aku, Muabong and Bangem are electrified. More than 80%
of the rural communities do not have access to electricity supply. This is one
of the factors of rural-urban migration by youths.
Health infrastructure
The
region has very few health centres and only four hospitals. Two Government
hospitals in Tombel and Bangem and two mission hospitals in Nyasoso and Baseng.
Most of the health centres, especially in the rural areas, have dilapidated
structures. They are insufficiently staffed and equipped. Most often, community
members carry patients on their backs to the nearest district hospitals for
treatment; sometimes, some patients die on the way due to bad roads.
region has very few health centres and only four hospitals. Two Government
hospitals in Tombel and Bangem and two mission hospitals in Nyasoso and Baseng.
Most of the health centres, especially in the rural areas, have dilapidated
structures. They are insufficiently staffed and equipped. Most often, community
members carry patients on their backs to the nearest district hospitals for
treatment; sometimes, some patients die on the way due to bad roads.
Communication
Movement
to within and from Bakossi land is by road. The Mungo River is navigable for
most of its length. There are more than 600 km of un-tarred roads in Bakossi
land but no km of tarred road and the bulk of them are in a poor state most of
the year. Besides, many villages are not linked by road. For example, to get to
western Bakossi from Tombel, one has to go through Konye in Meme Division. The
government just began the construction of Nguti – Bangem road.
to within and from Bakossi land is by road. The Mungo River is navigable for
most of its length. There are more than 600 km of un-tarred roads in Bakossi
land but no km of tarred road and the bulk of them are in a poor state most of
the year. Besides, many villages are not linked by road. For example, to get to
western Bakossi from Tombel, one has to go through Konye in Meme Division. The
government just began the construction of Nguti – Bangem road.
Besides
the poor road communication, half Bakossi land does not have any
telecommunication facilities i.e. fix telephone, fax lines. Thanks to the new
world of mobile communication. Most part of the Bakossi land now have network
for mobile phone and 3G internet. Even if these facilities were to be
available, their usage will be restricted because electricity is supplied to
only 20% of the population. Most people use generators.
the poor road communication, half Bakossi land does not have any
telecommunication facilities i.e. fix telephone, fax lines. Thanks to the new
world of mobile communication. Most part of the Bakossi land now have network
for mobile phone and 3G internet. Even if these facilities were to be
available, their usage will be restricted because electricity is supplied to
only 20% of the population. Most people use generators.
Poor Banking and Financial Systems
There
are just two savings and loans. One in Tombel and the other in Bangem, in
Bakossi land. This is understandable because the area is principally rural.
However, limited financial transactions are handled by the Post Office Savings
Bank, the Credit Union and the government treasury for matters relating to the
government. Cooperative banking is still very timidly practised, perhaps
because the people have lost faith in the cooperatives and credit union. There
are also small thrifts-and-loans groups in some areas while hoarding is still
widely practised.
are just two savings and loans. One in Tombel and the other in Bangem, in
Bakossi land. This is understandable because the area is principally rural.
However, limited financial transactions are handled by the Post Office Savings
Bank, the Credit Union and the government treasury for matters relating to the
government. Cooperative banking is still very timidly practised, perhaps
because the people have lost faith in the cooperatives and credit union. There
are also small thrifts-and-loans groups in some areas while hoarding is still
widely practised.
None Existence of Industries
Since
the closure of the timber plant at Etam that processed wood to some extent,
Bakossi land does not boast of a single industry anymore.
the closure of the timber plant at Etam that processed wood to some extent,
Bakossi land does not boast of a single industry anymore.
In what ways do you promote community empowerment?
Community-Based Institutions
The
region has three main rural councils (Tombel, Nguti and Bangem rural councils).
Traditional councils are found in almost all the villages in the Bakossi land.
There are a few non-governmental organisations (Center for the Environment and
Rural Transformation CERUT), common initiative groups and local associations.
region has three main rural councils (Tombel, Nguti and Bangem rural councils).
Traditional councils are found in almost all the villages in the Bakossi land.
There are a few non-governmental organisations (Center for the Environment and
Rural Transformation CERUT), common initiative groups and local associations.
We
work with these community-based institutions to promoter community development
activities. In the past they organised periodic community labour, to maintain
and clean roads, and other community activities. Today, most communities in the
region have developed the dependency syndrome, and there is hardly any
community mobilisation for effective community work.
work with these community-based institutions to promoter community development
activities. In the past they organised periodic community labour, to maintain
and clean roads, and other community activities. Today, most communities in the
region have developed the dependency syndrome, and there is hardly any
community mobilisation for effective community work.
Culture Activities
Bakossi
land is endowed with a rich cultural diversity. The people are artistic in
dancing, singing and handicraft. Among the very exciting and scintillating
dances are Mal, Ebenzu, Nkolenge, Ngomelong, Club dance, Asiko (with stilts),
and Ngoneh The people are beautiful
singers and marvellous composers of songs in their local language and in
English. Choral festivals and competitions (when they do hold) provide an
opportunity to admire the art.
land is endowed with a rich cultural diversity. The people are artistic in
dancing, singing and handicraft. Among the very exciting and scintillating
dances are Mal, Ebenzu, Nkolenge, Ngomelong, Club dance, Asiko (with stilts),
and Ngoneh The people are beautiful
singers and marvellous composers of songs in their local language and in
English. Choral festivals and competitions (when they do hold) provide an
opportunity to admire the art.
BACDA
annually organises cultural activities in Germany and promise cultural
activities back home in Cameroon. This is helping to keep the culture of the
people alive.
annually organises cultural activities in Germany and promise cultural
activities back home in Cameroon. This is helping to keep the culture of the
people alive.
Although
the variety of bakossi spoken differs from one part of the region to another,
speakers understand themselves effortlessly. They share a common culture, which
can be displayed during birth, marriage and funeral ceremonies, for example.
the variety of bakossi spoken differs from one part of the region to another,
speakers understand themselves effortlessly. They share a common culture, which
can be displayed during birth, marriage and funeral ceremonies, for example.
Education
The
government has opened many primary and secondary schools in Bakossi land,
thereby improving the rate of school attendance in the area. There is also a
Teachers Training College in Bagem. Indeed, most , villages now have at least a
primary school. However, Bakossi land has no institution of higher learning.
government has opened many primary and secondary schools in Bakossi land,
thereby improving the rate of school attendance in the area. There is also a
Teachers Training College in Bagem. Indeed, most , villages now have at least a
primary school. However, Bakossi land has no institution of higher learning.
The
opening of many schools has not been matched with adequate infrastructure. For
instance, many primary schools do not have classroom buildings. Classes are
held in dilapidated or abandoned buildings and even under trees. Pupils are
exposed to poor weather conditions and their performances are consequently
affected. Some schools are virtually constructed by parents, in spite of their
meagre resources. In addition, teachers are few, so parents employ unqualified
staff under the parent-teacher association (PTA). This has a negative impact on
the performance of students and pupils.
opening of many schools has not been matched with adequate infrastructure. For
instance, many primary schools do not have classroom buildings. Classes are
held in dilapidated or abandoned buildings and even under trees. Pupils are
exposed to poor weather conditions and their performances are consequently
affected. Some schools are virtually constructed by parents, in spite of their
meagre resources. In addition, teachers are few, so parents employ unqualified
staff under the parent-teacher association (PTA). This has a negative impact on
the performance of students and pupils.
BACDA
Germany has been in support of infrastructures to some secondary schools in the
region. Donating computers and chairs for students and even materials to
replace old school buildings, in Bangem, Tombel and Nguti areas
Germany has been in support of infrastructures to some secondary schools in the
region. Donating computers and chairs for students and even materials to
replace old school buildings, in Bangem, Tombel and Nguti areas
Agriculture
Due to
the favourable climatic conditions and the very fertile soils, the region can
support a wide range of crops, domestic animals and birds.
the favourable climatic conditions and the very fertile soils, the region can
support a wide range of crops, domestic animals and birds.
Food
crops: Some of the food crops cultivated in the area are
plantains, cocoyams, maize, sweet yams, cassava, pepper, okra, beans and
bananas. This region is the highest producer of plantains in the country and
the Mille 20 Market in Tombel Sub Division the biggest plantain market in the
central African region. Other crops that do well in the region but are not
widely cultivated are potatoes, egusi, and upland rice. Vegetable is very
rudimentary.
crops: Some of the food crops cultivated in the area are
plantains, cocoyams, maize, sweet yams, cassava, pepper, okra, beans and
bananas. This region is the highest producer of plantains in the country and
the Mille 20 Market in Tombel Sub Division the biggest plantain market in the
central African region. Other crops that do well in the region but are not
widely cultivated are potatoes, egusi, and upland rice. Vegetable is very
rudimentary.
Export
crops: The following cash crops are grown: cocoa, coffee,
oil palm, rubber, and tea. The Bajoh clan is the highest producer of cocoa in
the Bangem Sub Division while Ngusi and Ebonji areas are the highest in Tombel
Sub Division and Nogomadeba, Badun ,Mungo Ndoi and Babibok areas are the
highest in the Nguti Sub Division. With regards to coffee production in the
Bakossi land, the Nninong and Elong clan are the highest. Other export crops
with production potential are green beans and strawberry and fruits such as
mangoes, guava, cola nuts and avocado.
crops: The following cash crops are grown: cocoa, coffee,
oil palm, rubber, and tea. The Bajoh clan is the highest producer of cocoa in
the Bangem Sub Division while Ngusi and Ebonji areas are the highest in Tombel
Sub Division and Nogomadeba, Badun ,Mungo Ndoi and Babibok areas are the
highest in the Nguti Sub Division. With regards to coffee production in the
Bakossi land, the Nninong and Elong clan are the highest. Other export crops
with production potential are green beans and strawberry and fruits such as
mangoes, guava, cola nuts and avocado.
Livestock rearing
In
Bakossi land, there is small-scale rearing of pigs, goats, sheep, cows, horses
and poultry,mainly as a form of family savings and for ceremonies. Commercial
enterprises are non-existent except in the case of the Bororo who rear cows for
money in the Muanenguba Mountain region. The native population stopped rearing
cattle, in particular the short-horned species known locally as the “muturu”.
Increasingly, the culture of rearing goats and sheep is dying out, as people
now farm close to their homes, and the local population is not equipped with
alternative skills for rearing animals, not least of which is the complementary
relationship between food crop production and animal rearing.
Bakossi land, there is small-scale rearing of pigs, goats, sheep, cows, horses
and poultry,mainly as a form of family savings and for ceremonies. Commercial
enterprises are non-existent except in the case of the Bororo who rear cows for
money in the Muanenguba Mountain region. The native population stopped rearing
cattle, in particular the short-horned species known locally as the “muturu”.
Increasingly, the culture of rearing goats and sheep is dying out, as people
now farm close to their homes, and the local population is not equipped with
alternative skills for rearing animals, not least of which is the complementary
relationship between food crop production and animal rearing.
The
development of agriculture and livestock in Bakossi land is hampered by a number
of difficulties, including a poor and largely impracticable road network, low
prices of agricultural produce, small farm sizes, lack of agricultural inputs
and improved seedlings, substantial post-harvest losses, lack of storage and
processing facilities, ageing farms and farming population, and poor farming practices.
BACDA is now trying to group small farmers in villages and lobbying for funds
so that these communities can be schooled and trained in the area of livestock
forming. We are still waiting to read from some of the funding organisations we
submitted proposals to them.
development of agriculture and livestock in Bakossi land is hampered by a number
of difficulties, including a poor and largely impracticable road network, low
prices of agricultural produce, small farm sizes, lack of agricultural inputs
and improved seedlings, substantial post-harvest losses, lack of storage and
processing facilities, ageing farms and farming population, and poor farming practices.
BACDA is now trying to group small farmers in villages and lobbying for funds
so that these communities can be schooled and trained in the area of livestock
forming. We are still waiting to read from some of the funding organisations we
submitted proposals to them.
What activities do you implement in regards to gender issues?
Youth and Gender
Many
youths are unemployed. This gives room to a high rate of juvenile delinquency.
When the country was hit by an economic crisis in the 1990s and the prices of
export crops such as cocoa and coffee plummeted, most of the youth migrated to
urban areas in search of greener pastures, leaving behind near-ghost villages
for the elderly.
youths are unemployed. This gives room to a high rate of juvenile delinquency.
When the country was hit by an economic crisis in the 1990s and the prices of
export crops such as cocoa and coffee plummeted, most of the youth migrated to
urban areas in search of greener pastures, leaving behind near-ghost villages
for the elderly.
Over
many decades, there has been mounting global cohort on women empowerment and
gender equality and noticeable theories, frameworks and approaches to gender
and development are being developed. In response to gender disparity and women
marginalisation, BACDA Germany is making strides in mainstreaming gender and
promoting equality. In partnership with some local NGO´s like Centre for
Environment and Rural Transformation (CERUT), Limbe in Cameroon, we lobby for
the promotion of small loans for young women between 14 to 25 years of age, to
help them set up small business. We have
successfully help women set up common initiative groups or small village
help groups for the development and promotion of social capital and some communities
women’s groups have achieved their goals whilst in others it is still on-going
process.
many decades, there has been mounting global cohort on women empowerment and
gender equality and noticeable theories, frameworks and approaches to gender
and development are being developed. In response to gender disparity and women
marginalisation, BACDA Germany is making strides in mainstreaming gender and
promoting equality. In partnership with some local NGO´s like Centre for
Environment and Rural Transformation (CERUT), Limbe in Cameroon, we lobby for
the promotion of small loans for young women between 14 to 25 years of age, to
help them set up small business. We have
successfully help women set up common initiative groups or small village
help groups for the development and promotion of social capital and some communities
women’s groups have achieved their goals whilst in others it is still on-going
process.
We
plan to open a vocational training centre enhance skill development for drop
out of school in the Bangem area if we successfully secure funding.
plan to open a vocational training centre enhance skill development for drop
out of school in the Bangem area if we successfully secure funding.
Do you cooperate
with local authorities and institutions? If yes, how?
with local authorities and institutions? If yes, how?
As did mention above, we cooperate
with local national NGOs to drive development in our communities. We have been
in partnership in community development activities with CERUT Limbe and other
national NGOs. Still searching for international NGOs to cooperate with in all
areas of economic development.
with local national NGOs to drive development in our communities. We have been
in partnership in community development activities with CERUT Limbe and other
national NGOs. Still searching for international NGOs to cooperate with in all
areas of economic development.
