Cinq Continents (Dec 2017)
Reaction des bororos face a l'occupation des pâturages du Mont Mbapit par les agriculteurs (Ouest Cameroun)
Abstract
Mount Mbapit (1988m) had since been exploited by Bororo rearers. Being a volcanic mountain it is however characterised by fertile soils that are suitable for arable agricultural. In recent years arable farmers have encroached into hitherto pasture lands for food crop cultivation. This has orchestrated conflicts between the arable farmers and the breeders over land. This asserted rush for space is susceptible to put an end to cattle rearing on the mountain, provoking reactions from Bororo. Information derived from satellite photographs and field work depicts the conquest of space by arable farmers and new space organisation on the mountain by the different stakeholders. Food crop cultivation and market gardening destined principally for sales have replaced transhumant cattle rearing. It is also observed that the mode of life of the Bororo pastoralists has changed from nomadic to sedentary life style as they have also taken to arable agriculture. The former Bororo camps made of houses constructed with makeshift materials have of late been replaced by permanent houses surrounded by enclosed farms. Consequently, the rearing of cattle has been relegated to the steep mountain slopes. The rush for land for arable and pastoral farming on these mountain slopes adjoining densely populated villages obscure other activities such as tourism and culture that could be developed. This study analyses this conflicting situation and explains the adaptations by the solution taken by the subjugated pastoralists.
