Cameroon History

October 02, 2019

*CAMEROON HISTORY*

*Population Movements* : *Summary*

*Definition*

Population Movements, or migrations, were the massive displacements of ethnic groups from one geographical area to another. People migrated for one reason or another which could be political, economic, social, or natural, and these movements had impacts on the people as explained under.

*I. Causes/reasons/motives/factors of population movements* (account for population movements)

*1. Political causes*

One of the political causes of the 19th century migrations in Cameroon was intertribal wars. These were wars which opposed several ethnic groups to each other, causing the weaker ones to migrate in search of peace.

Also, succession disputes (dynastic quarrels) led to population movements in Cameroon in the 19th century. This was the case where a fon died without leaving his successor. A good example was that of Bali, whose fon, Gawolbe, did not leave a successor before his death. This led to a split among his children, leading to the formation of 7 Bali groups, which migrated to various areas in the grassfields. (Bali Chamba, Bali Gasho, Bali Gham, Bali Nyonga, Bali Gangsin, Bali Kumbat, Bali Muti).

Further, payment of tributes was another political factor which led to population movements in Cameroon in the 19th century. This was a situation whereby the weaker ethnic groups were to pay tribute to the powerful ones. This caused nuisance to some groups which had to move to the grassfields.

Lastly, the Fulani hegemony (their imposed authority) was another reason for population movements in Cameroon in the 19tg century. That Fulani became influential in the northern part of Cameroon and started subjecting other ethnic groups to their authority, causing the latter to migrate to peaceful areas. This was the case of the Bamun who migrated because they had refused to be dominated by the Fulani.

*2. Economic reasons*

One of the factors which accounted for population movements in Cameroon was the search of fertile lands. Many ethnic groups migrated to the Western grassfields in search of fertile lands for agriculture. An example was that of the Bamileke who migrated to the grassfields in order to start up their plantations.

Another economic factor which accounted for population movements was the search of grazing land. Several ethnic groups migrated to the Western grassfields in search of grazing lands for their cattle.

Further, the influence of some economic developments such as roads accounted for population movements in Cameroon. With the advent of developments and means of transportation, people saw an opportunity to migrate to other areas for discovery.

The introduction of legitimate trade equally favoured population movements in Cameroon. The coming of traders along the coast of Cameroon made it possible for ethnic groups to migrate in search of employment opportunities. This was the example of the Dualas who migrated to the littoral tous seek employment.

*3. Social factors* (also cultural to an extent)

One of the social reasons for which people migrated was cultural ties. Some ethnic groups migrated to meet others with whom they shared the same culture. This was the case of the Dualas and Bakweri who moved together to the coast because they shared the same culture.

Also, people migrated because of population congestion. This was because the more people remained in the north, the more congested the population became. Therefore, this situation led to the migration of ethnic groups to the Western grassfields for better settlement.

*4. Natural factors*

One of the natural factors that accounted for population movements was the discovery of water bodies. This situation obliged many people to migrate as they discovered water bodies in other areas and so got attracted because the water would help them in their many activities.

There was also the advancement of the desert as a natural cause of population movements. The Sahara took proportions and was spreading to the northern part of Cameroon, causing the displacement of many people to other areas of the country.

Lastly, the spread of diseases also accounted for population movements in Cameroon in the 19th century. Due to population congestion, diseases such as small pox and chicken pox became so popular that they took the life of many people, causing others to migrate.

*N.B.:* *Pull* factors were those that attracted people from outside and *push* factors were those that sent them out of their initial locations.

*II. Consequences/impacts/results/effects/outcome/aftermaths/repercussions of population movements*

*1. Political effects*

One of the political effects of population movements was that they led to more succession disputes/dynastic quarrels. This was the case of the ethnic groups that moved to the Western grassfields and could not agree on successorship within them.

Also, population movements led to more intertribal wars. These wasr that opposed some ethnic groups to others continued in the grassfields. An example was the war that continued between the Bamileke and the Bamun.

*2. Economic effects*

An economic result of population movements was that they helped some people get employment with traders. An example was that of the Dualas who got the opportunity to work as middlemen between the Europeans and the natives.

Also, some people were employed by the Germans to work on plantations.

*3. Social effects*

One of the social effects of population movements was that they occasioned the spread of diseases. The people who migrated carried diseases with them such as chicken pox and small pox, which they continued spreading in their new settlements.

Also, population movements help in the redistribution of the population. This was because the more people moved, the more population was redistributed in various areas. This helped reduce the congestion in the north.

Lastly, population movements led to congestion. In other words, the people who migrated caused congestions in their new settlements as they wanted to be with their relatives.

Notes prepared by Séverin Ateba