Buduma in Cameroon


Population
Main Language
Largest Religion
Christian
Evangelical
Progress
Progress Gauge

Introduction / History

In the past, the Buduma people carried out raids on the cattle herds of their neighbors. They were feared villains with aggressive reputations; thus, they were respected and left alone for many years, protected by their own habitat of water and reeds. They have resisted outside influences throughout history, remaining a fiercely independent people who, even today, are ruled by their own chiefs.

Today, they are a peaceful and friendly people willing to adopt some modern changes. Although their neighbors call them Buduma, meaning "people of the grass (or reeds)", they prefer to be called Yedina. Their language is known as Buduma.


Where Are they Located?

The Buduma live on scores of islands located within Lake Chad. This historically large, shallow lake is located where Chad, Cameroon, Nigeria, and Niger meet. A small number have spilled over into northern Cameroon. Although the shores of Lake Chad have long been inhabited by populations of mixed origin, the Buduma have managed to preserve their identity and homeland.


What Are Their Lives Like?

Most Buduma are cattle herders or fishermen. They live on the more stable islands of Lake Chad in permanent villages. These scattered villages are enclosed by reed fences. Buduma weave their huts from papyrus reeds, so that the huts can be easily lifted and moved to higher ground when the lake rises. The village life and economy of the Buduma center on their cattle and, to a much lesser extent, on their crops of wheat and millet. Buduma cattle have distinct horns which are especially long. The horns help the cattle to swim when they lean their heads back in the water. Buduma do not use their cattle for meat, but for milk and sacrifices only.

During the dry season, all able-bodied Buduma move to the floating islands to establish temporary camps. These islands are really floating rafts of matted vegetation, sometimes drifting and sometimes anchored by roots.

Throughout the dry season, Buduma depend on fishing for their livelihood. They are well-known for their distinctive papyrus reed boats. Buduma use the smaller of these crafts for fishing and the larger ones for transporting cattle or for prolonged family accommodation. Although the Buduma formerly fished only for their own consumption, they now also fish commercially, transporting dried fish to Nigerian markets for trade. This new pattern of commerce has enabled the Buduma to purchase material goods they have been unable to produce themselves.

Unlike the diet of any other people in Africa, the Buduma diet is based on cow's milk and fish, with only a few cereal products. The people also collect water lily roots and grind them into flour, providing a supplement to their diet. The Buduma have remarkable physiques due to the high amounts of protein they eat daily. Consequently, Buduma are powerful swimmers, able to stay under water for long periods of time.

Budumas teach their children from an early age to swim, manage boats, to help with the nets and to fish. By age 15, boys are circumcised, marking their maturity into manhood. Men do not marry until their late twenties, usually marrying women substantially younger than they.

Buduma people are fiercely ethnocentric, placing a high value on preserving their distinct culture. Thus, they believe strongly in marrying within their own people group.


What Are Their Beliefs?

The Buduma are largely Muslim. They also believe in the god Kumani, founder of the world, and put faith in priests who they believe will appease the spirits.


What Are Their Needs?

The Buduma people have few Christian resources available to them, and most of them have never had an opportunity to hear the gospel. Continued prayer is the key to reaching these isolated, independent people with the love of Christ.


Prayer Points

Ask the Holy Spirit to grant wisdom and favor to the mission agencies that are working with the Buduma people.
Pray that Christian resources will be made available to the Buduma people, even in Cameroon.
Ask the Lord to bring forth a triumphant Buduma church for the glory of His name!


Scripture Prayers for the Buduma in Cameroon.


References

https://joshuaproject.net/people_groups/10981/CD
https://joshuaproject.net/people_groups/10981/NI
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Buduma_people


Profile Source:   Keith Carey  

People Name General Buduma
People Name in Country Buduma
Alternate Names Boudouma; Kuri Islander; Yedina
Population this Country 600
Population all Countries 161,000
Total Countries 3
Indigenous No
Progress Scale 1
Unreached Yes
Frontier People Group Yes
GSEC 1  (per PeopleGroups.org)
Pioneer Workers Needed 1
PeopleID3 10981
ROP3 Code 101697
Country Cameroon
Region Africa, West and Central
Continent Africa
10/40 Window No
National Bible Society Website
Persecution Rank 43  (Open Doors top 50 rank, 1 = highest persecution ranking)
Location in Country Far North region: Logone-and-Chari division, islands of Lake Chad.   Source:  Ethnologue 2020
Country Cameroon
Region Africa, West and Central
Continent Africa
10/40 Window No
National Bible Society Website
Persecution Rank 43  (Open Doors top 50 rank, 1 = highest persecution ranking)
Location in Country Far North region: Logone-and-Chari division, islands of Lake Chad..   Source:  Ethnologue 2020

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Primary Religion: Islam
Major Religion Percent
Buddhism
0.00 %
Christianity  (Evangelical 0.03 %)
0.04 %
Ethnic Religions
4.96 %
Hinduism
0.00 %
Islam
95.00 %
Non-Religious
0.00 %
Other / Small
0.00 %
Unknown
0.00 %
Primary Language Buduma (600 speakers)
Language Code bdm   Ethnologue Listing
Language Written Yes   ScriptSource Listing
Total Languages 1
Primary Language Buduma (600 speakers)
Language Code bdm   Ethnologue Listing
Total Languages 1
People Groups Speaking Buduma

Primary Language:  Buduma

Bible Translation Status  (Years)
Bible-Portions Yes  (2011-2014)
Bible-New Testament No
Bible-Complete No
Possible Print Bibles
Amazon
World Bibles
Forum Bible Agencies
National Bible Societies
World Bible Finder
Virtual Storehouse
Resource Type Resource Name Source
Audio Recordings Audio Bible teaching Global Recordings Network
Photo Source Bethany World Prayer Center 
Profile Source Keith Carey 
Data Sources Data is compiled from various sources. Learn more.


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