Abstract

This study focused on the origins – migration and settlement of Ndekwai people in Manyu Division of the South West Region of Cameroon. It examines aspects of Geography and the Historical Background of the people. The study made use of the historical research method and data was presented in thematic and qualitative manner. The findings shows that Ndekwai people originally came from Kembong and settled at their present site which they named Ndekwai. The work also brings out the socio-economic impacts of Ndekwai people. The study has thus contributed to the history of Ndekwai people and many in general.

CHAPTER ONE

GENERAL INTRODUCTION

Background to Study

Africa, a continent made up of the black race, has a beautiful history which spans from the beginning of creation, the History of the continent have been marked by, but not limited to the following issues: civilization, inter-ethnic upheavals, migration, slave trade, wars and decolonization.1Beside this list of aspects that paint a limitless history of Africa, one aspect that has a beautiful history which cuts across the diversified customs, tradition and socio-cultural structure of the African people is the scenario of the origin, growth and expansion of a people.

In Cameroon between the 14th and 19th centuries, there was mass movement of people from one place to another, this led to the origin and growth of many communities in Cameroon.2The Ndekwai people of Eyumojock Sub-Division in Manyu Division, South West Region of Cameroon were not left out of this movements which amongst other things triggered not only the dispersal of people of the same ancestry but also of mixing of people who, hither to, had diverse socio-cultural, anthropological and even political origins.

This factor perhaps explains the fact that migration has increasing become a topic of interest, concern and is debated amongst the international community. It is important to bear in mind that migration is not only a historical event but also a phenomenon on that is still unfolding. There are currently estimated 2500 million migrants worldwide with 86 million of them being economically active.3Migration is therefore moving from one country, place or locality to another, and the process is always caused by pull or push factors. Pull factors essentially denotes and constitute the things or reasons why migrants move to a particular destination or area. On the other hand, push factors is a word that describes the reasons or conditions than induced an individual or group to move out of an area.

In terms of the concept, in Africa in particular, migration has and will continue to shape the continent’s social structure, economy and development objectives. It is no surprise therefore that migration has intensified in accordance to the increased   globalization trends. The development of information technology, communication system and transport infrastructures, for example, have all facilitated the migration process.4In the course of the current research study, which is the origin and migration of Ndekwai people in Manyu Division, will take the focus of the study. The study represents an attempt to reconstruct or trace how Ndekwai originated from Kembong during the reign of Chief Tambe Ndip Arrah of Okoyong and their dispersal and settlement over time.

Statement of Problem

Ndekwai are a group of people in Eyumojock Sub-Division of Manyu Division of the South West Region of Cameroon. The major worry of the research is to find out the rationale for the migration of Ndekwai people from their original site to the present location. This is necessary in order to understand the dynamics that had caused Ndekwai people to migrate from their original settlement to the current site. In line with this, the research will also want to understand the activities which preoccupied the people at their new site.

The main problematic of this study is the question of identity and social divide which is almost tearing apart Ndekwai people. Some people or groups of people are considered as outsiders and restricted from enjoying the rights and privileges of some members of the Ndekwai society. This is on no other accent but on grounds of their social origins. This engenders tensions and sometimes causes conflicts which does not only impede local development but also renders social cohesion fragile.

Objectives of the Study

The major concern of this research work is to examine the origin, migration and settlement of Ndekwai people from their original site to the present community.

The specific objectives are thus:

1. To assess the origin of Ndekwai people and what might have caused them to migrate.
2. To examine the socio-political and economic organization of the Ndekwai people.
3. To evaluate the people’s activities and their plight in the present settlement.
4. To trace the root of the identity problem and social divide in Ndekwai.

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