Bakossi in Cameroon

Introduction / History

Bakossi people are kind, considerate, and caring folks. The tribe straddles the Anglophone and Francophone areas but most Bakossi would be classified as Anglophone. Bakossi people are located in the Southwest Province of Cameroon in the Kupe Mananguba Division.

What Are Their Lives Like?

Much of the area is agricultural with major food crops being coco yam, cassava, and some corn. Cash crops include coffee in the higher elevations and cocoa in the lower elevations. The traditional food is Esubag and Xamongel (pounded coco yam with a leaf stew). Meem (palm wine) is present and kola nut is an important part of welcoming folks. There is a saying that he who brings kola brings life (as with other tribes in the area).

There are several high schools in the area and Bakossi people are generally well educated. Unfortunately, there are not enough job opportunities so people find themselves returning to farming after their education. There are also a lot of civil servants in the area particularly in Bangem.

What Are Their Beliefs?

There are some traditional beliefs but mostly people are Christian. Villages nearer to Nysoso tend to be more Presbyterian while the villages near Bangem are more Catholic. Each denomination had missions in those areas.

What Are Their Needs?

Bakossi people need economic development and jobs.

Text Source:   Margaret Minzner