ASC-TUFS Working Papers
Online ISSN : 2436-1607
Print ISSN : 2436-1542
ISSN-L : 2436-1542
Bakola/Bagyelli households between precariousness and struggle for survival
Lessons learned from an indigenous community in search of well-being
Bernard Aristide Bitouga
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JOURNAL OPEN ACCESS

2021 Volume 1 Pages 187-201

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Abstract

Socio-economic household surveys among indigenous peoples in general and the Bakola/Bagyelli in Cameroon in particular are infrequent. The dearth of such works testifies to the low interest of specialist of social science, especially anthropology, in this subject. This article presents the current socioeconomic status of Pygmy households in the south-coastal region of Cameroon. The Bakola/Bagyelli are now more than ever concerned about their living conditions, which are rapidly deteriorating. They have implemented survival strategies to fight poverty and precariousness, which hamper their well-being. These include slash-and-burn agriculture, the rearing of small ruminants, petty trade and the introduction of the market economy. Although invisible at the national level, these strategies aim to direct Pygmy camps towards sustainable economic development. This article’s objective is to highlight the dynamics of and local strategies implemented by these populations to improve their living conditions. Through a census, data on sociodemographic characteristics, productive activities, access to resources, and family budgets of households within the camps are collected from the Bipindi, Lolodorf, and Lokoundjé subdivision. The methodology used combines several methods and techniques. The results of this study show an improvement in the living conditions of Bakola/Bagyelli households.

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© 2021 African Studies Center - Tokyo University of Foreign Studies

This article is licensed under a Creative Commons [Attribution 4.0 International] license.
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