Economic Diversification among the Cattle Mbororo in the Bamenda Grasslands of Cameroon, 1916 -2021

Diversification has become one of the hallmarks towards development in different aspects of
society. The Mbororo who migrated into the Bamenda Grasslands during the 20th century were often tagged as
Fulani normadists based on their cattle rearing activities which necessitated constant displacement in search
of pasture. Certain exigencies had influenced a diversification by the Mbororo in the Bamenda Grasslands
from cattle rearing to other alternative sources of income, especially in the domain of farming. This study
aims at examining the bases, evolution and impact of economic diversification by the Mbororo in the domain
of crop farming. Based on primary and secondary sources as well as informed by a qualitative approach to
presentation, this paper argues that the Mbororo in a bid to enhance sustainability were posed on diversifying
from cattle rearing to crop production. They were exclusively into cattle rearing activities and saw the need to
multiply revenue generating sources. The paradigm shifts into different economic ventures within the
agricultural sector was based on crops that had a high economic value. It was also revealed that farming
served as the basis to economic socialization which was a nexus to integration. In essence, attributing the
Mbororo to cattle rearing is gradually facing out and new avenues have been exploited by this people for
their growth and development.