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Mambila Demography from Archival Sources1

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  13 May 2014

David Zeitlyn  and
Janet Bagg
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Extract

This paper provides a first report of a study of the population of Somié, a Mambila village in Cameroun, which seeks to explore ways of linking microdemographic analysis and the results of anthropological research. We have sought ways in which we can analyze in a common frame genealogical data, residence patterns, and other data from anthropological fieldwork, together with census returns and archival materials.

By combining the details of kinship and residence (gathered during anthropological fieldwork over a period of ten years) with the statistics of births and deaths from census results and archival materials from 1950 onwards, we can begin to assess the effects of genealogical and residence factors on fertility and mortality. Conversely, it becomes possible to examine the effects of demographic factors on the genealogical basis of village life.

In an area where sister exchange marriage was practiced, repeated marriages give rise to complex genealogies whose connection to demographic factors has not been analyzed. Demographic changes influence the numbers of kin available for marriage, and the relationships between fertility, fecundity, mortality, morbidity, rates of sister exchange, and numbers of kin (in different categories) are significant and their change over time is hard to investigate without this type of research. In addition it provides ways in which demographic changes can be analyzed, and points to ways of assessing the impact of the introduction of health care provision and primary education on both demographic indicators and on beliefs and attitudes to health and fertility. Such research has clear relevance for policy-makers.

Type
Research Article
Information
History in Africa , Volume 27 , January 2000 , pp. 423 - 436
Copyright
Copyright © African Studies Association 2000

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Footnotes

1

We would like to thank the Wellcome Foundation (Grant no. 051191/Z/97/Z/IGS/MS/CG) for supporting this research. Other support has come from CSAC and other staff at UKC. Particular thanks must go to Mike Fisher and Nick Ryan. An earlier version of this paper was given at the African Studies Assocition, Chicago 1998.

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