Busam in Cameroon

Busam
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People Name: Busam
Country: Cameroon
10/40 Window: No
Population: 2,900
World Population: 2,900
Primary Language: Busam
Primary Religion: Christianity
Christian Adherents: 70.00 %
Evangelicals: 1.50 %
Scripture: Translation Needed
Online Audio NT: No
Jesus Film: No
Audio Recordings: Yes
People Cluster: Bantu, Cameroon-Bamileke
Affinity Bloc: Sub-Saharan Peoples
Progress Level:

Introduction / History

The Busam people are somewhat isolated, living in several valleys of a mountainous area. They are primarily farmers, growing their own food. They also export coffee for cash to buy things they cannot get locally. The Busam live in a semi-tropical area and there are two seasons: the cool rainy season and the warm dry season.

Germans began colonialization of the area in the late 1800s, later followed by the English after World War I. Since then the Catholic Church has proliferated and Presbyterian and Apostolic groups have emerged among the Busam as well. Today, most are Christian by name, but traditional religion is so fundamental in their culture they do not see the contradiction between the two.

The Busam speak Pidgin for communicating with outsiders, and Busam, their mother tongue, within the group. Many Busam have a primary education, but few go on to secondary school. Since there is a small number of Busam that are literate and the only Scriptures available to them are in English, access to the Word of God is difficult. The Busam have a great need for a translation of the Bible in their language, for literacy, and a clear Christian teaching.

Text Source:   Joshua Project