Visiting The Savannah Regions of Cameroon

The North West Region

The North-west Region  is one of the  Regions entirely found in the Savannah  lands of Cameroon.

The Region shares its boundaries with the Federal Republic of Nigeria, with Manyu Division and Lebialem Division both in  the South-West Region and with the Bambotus Division in the West Region. The North West Region covers a surface area of 17,910 km² with a population of about 2 million people.

Administratively, the Region is divided into seven divisions, each headed by a Senior Divisional Officer(S.D.O).

These divisions are Boyo, Bui, Donga Mantung, Menchum, Mezam, Momo and Ngoketunjia.

The Valleys of Din-Noni viewed from the High lands of Oku in Bui Division

The region is made up of thirty-four Subdivisions each headed by a Divisional Officer(D.O).

The topography of the Region is generally mountainous and undulating, characterized by abrupt escarpments towering, mountain peaks, deep valleys and broad alluvial plains. The highest point of the Region is Mount OKU (in BUI Division) with an altitude of 3.011 Meters above sea level.

The topography of the Region greatly influences the climate of the surrounding areas. The high mountains and plains are either very cold or very hot. The heights of Oku and Jakiri are extremely cold while the Mboh plains  in Donga Mantung Division are unbelievably hot.

On the average, this Region has a climate which is very conducive for Agriculture. Handcrafts also constitute an important activity among the indigenous populations.

The Region has two distinct seasons. There’s the dry season which starts from mid-October to mid-March; and the rainy season begins from mid-March to mid-October.

Meantime, lot of  changes in climatic conditions have been observed recently.

The vegetation is predominantly savannah with shrubs dotted here and there. However, dense forests of the tropical nature can be found in certain parts of  Menchum and Momo Divisions, especially on the border with Nigeria.

The North-West region has an agricultural based economy with the existence of organizations which are charged with improving seeds of high yielding crop varieties, constructing and rehabilitation of water schemes as well as preserving livestock. The Upper Noun Valley Development Authority (UNVDA) is one of the organizations in charge of boosting the economy of the Region with the cultivation of rice which is consumed by a dominant segment of the local population. With the existence of heavy equipment for rice farming production, areas have been increased by 10 000 hectares and created employment for most youth in the Region. This trend however has been greatly disturbed by the ongoing Anglophone Crisis presently affecting the two English Speaking Regions of the country. GP-DERUDEP is charged with road maintenance, water management and the development of rural communities. As a result, farm to market roads now exist in many communities. This has greatly boosted the economy of many local communities though much still needs to be done. Parts of the Nwa Subdivision in Donga Mantung and the Noni Subdivision in Bui are still in need of passable roads and are not yet benefitting from their farming activities because of the absence of farm to market roads.

The Region has a strong cultural legacy with traditions and practices which are strictly adhered to by its indigenes.

Depending on the community concerned, the indigenes are usually governed by Fons, Nfons, and Ardos. These authorities are responsible for the implementation of law and order and the preservation of peace. Most of the traditions which have been abandoned by other tribes in the country are still being respected by most or all North-Westerners. However, with the advent of religion and education, some of these practices have been modernized.  Traditional Leaders formerly could not eat in public but many of them now eat in public especially during occasions. No one is  supposed to shake the Fon’s hands. While this is still dominantly adhered to,  some Traditional Leaders are beginning to ignore this trend especially some title holders who are equally not permitted to shake hands with people.

North Westerners are among some of the most educated Cameroonians. Prior to the Anglophone Crisis, education was the leading business in the North West Region and was the greatest destination for both Secondary School and University students.

 

 

 Savannah Herald

Contacts of Publisher: +237696896001/+237678401408

Publisher:

Francis Ekongang Nzante

Yaounde Bureau

Ngew Yai Emmanuel

Tel: +237677863808

Douala Bureau

Anthony Ndikaka Soge

Tel: +237676045061

Limbe Contact:

Jessy Tar

Tel: 675049140……………

“Savannah Herald” is a News Blog that focuses on News from the Savannah regions of Cameroon. While it’s main news comes from these regions, it’s not restricted to these areas.  News from this blog is also published in a printed fortnightly Newspaper.

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