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About Bawa
Administration & Demographics
The village is headed by a chief (Mfo?o) who is assited by sub-chiefs (Nkem). Only men assume these positions by inheriting them from their fathers when they pass away. This traditional administration is recognized by the Cameroonian government and is considered an extension of the government.
Bawa consists of about 58 families with an average of 5-10 people each. The total population is estimated to be about 500. Most men are polygamous with 2 to 5 wives each. In Bawa, like most Bamiléké villages, the family inhabits a compound of houses built from mud bricks with tin roofs. The floor is usually bare ground. The main house in the center of the compound is inhabited by the husband. Older children and visitors stay in this house with him. Each wife is entitled to her own house within the compound for herself and her younger children.
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Bawa is an agrarian society. Crops cultivated include coffee, plantain, yams, potatos, corn, groundnuts (peanuts), vegetables, and various other fruits. The primary livestock consists of pigs, goats, sheep, chickens, and ducks. All family members are involved in the daily farming activity. The women handle the cooking, laundry and hygiene of the entire compound with assistance from their children.
Only men are involved in the trading of coffee, pigs, goats, and sheep. Women handle the trading of other farm products. The money generated by men?s trading goes to the entire family budget while that of the woman goes to her and her children. Men are responsible for health care of the entire family, school fees of the children, books, taxes, and clothing for the entire family to be worn on special occasions. Women are responsible for their kitchen needs, their every-day clothing, and the every-day clothing of her children.
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