Biba-Befang in Cameroon

Introduction / History

Befang is spoken in the Northwest region of Cameroon. Though all do not agree on the facts, tradition holds that the Befang are one of four ethnic groups that trace their origin back to the Widikum tribe (the other three groups are Beba, Tikar, and Esimbi). A mass migration occurred about 500-years ago, likely due to tribal wars. The Befang clan moved to the Menchum Valley, where they live today. They had frequent conflicts with the inhabitants of this area and fought with them until they drove them out.

What Are Their Lives Like?

The main occupations of the Befang people are farming and palm oil production. The tropical climate with heavy rains combined with dark brown alluvial soil produces tropical forests of large trees and palm trees. The people grow cocao, coffee, cocoyams, maize, cassava, peanuts and rice. The Befang area is referred to as the breadbasket of the North West region. Yet the people are poor, living on less than a dollar a day. What they grow is generally consumed within the community or sold to neighboring groups. They also hunt and fish in the Menchum River on a small scale.

A fon (chieftain or king) is the main ruler in the various ethnic groups. Fons are under the jurisdiction of the government but keep semi-autonomous union councils and hold jurisdiction over their hereditary land. They are considered to be the living representatives of their tribal ancestors.

What Are Their Beliefs?

Early missionaries in the Northwest region met with resistance to the gospel because they did not share the message in culturally appropriate ways. In fact, many things they did from their Western perspective hindered their ministry. Later evangelistic efforts were more successful as the missionaries contextualized the gospel and used the local languages for preaching. Later missionaries also strove for a more holistic approach. They wished to free the people from poverty by teaching new farming methods and the production of manufactured goods. They also addressed the issues of education and health. Currently many of the Befang people identify as Christians.

What Are Their Needs?

For nearly a decade the civilians of the Northwest region of Cameroon have been victimized by insurgent and anti-insurgent forces. Many receive brutal treatment and some are killed, often being dragged off in the middle of the night. Separatists have targeted aid workers, students, and teachers, while enforcing a boycott on education.

The Befang language is thought to be used as a first language by a decreasing number of young people. It is not known to be taught in schools. Short audio Bible stories and evangelistic messages that explain salvation and basic Christian teaching, which may also include songs and music, are available at gospelrecordings.net. Currently no plans exist for further language development or Bible translation projects.

Prayer Points

Pray that God will bring peace to the Northwest region of Cameroon.
Pray Befang speakers will engage with the audio Scriptures that are available online.
Pray that Befang community and church leaders can connect with Bible translation organizations to develop further oral and written translation projects to preserve their language and provide their people with more of God’s word in their heart language.

Text Source:   Joshua Project