Fonfuka Village
Brief Profile
Fonfuka village, an integral part of the Bum tribe, traces its roots to the migration of the Bum people from Mbirimbot in Donga Mantung Division. Upon arrival in this land, the Bum people initially settled at Kwolaka in Ngunabum. After staying there for some years, intertribal squabbles with the Kom people caused several families migrated to the present valley where they encountered the Mungong people under the rulership of Fon Fuka. Conflict ensued between the Bum and Mungong people, resulting in the defeat and expulsion of the Mungong community. The Bum people subsequently established their settlement in this area, naming it Fonfuka after the deposed Fon of the Mungong people.
Cosmopolitan Village
Fonfuka village is a melting pot of various dynasties within the Bum community, including Saff, Sawi, Fio, Mbamlu, Mungong, Faat, Jull, Alung, and Newun dynasties, as well as the Fulani community. Originally a bustling trade center, Fonfuka has evolved into the administrative seat of the council. Despite each dynasty having its own Fon, the entire population of Fonfuka pays allegiance to the Fon of Bum.
Quarters and Neighboring Villages
Fonfuka village comprises quarters such as Fonfuka I, Fonfuka II, Fonfuka III, Benakimbi, Njinijuo, Kikangko, Kwoti, Kichimi, Fio, and Mulung. It shares boundaries with neighboring Bum villages such as Mbuk, Ngunakimbi, Kichako, Kichambo, Mungong, and Kimbi.
Population and Surface Area
With a population exceeding 12,000 inhabitants, Fonfuka village covers a total surface area of approximately 35 square kilometers.
Economic Activities
Most of the population, about three-quarters, engage in peasant farming along the fertile riverbanks. Local crops cultivated include maize, beans, cassava, oil palm, groundnut, sweet potatoes, sugarcane, soybeans, pineapple, plantains, bananas, mangoes, pears, and oranges. Additionally, some residents are involved in animal rearing, trading, carpentry, and house construction.
The village according to Cameroon’s town planning legislation is a town because it is the headquarters of Bum subdivision. The Bum council carries the name Fonfuka Council for strategic reasons (Mayor Philip Gwe, 2016)
Source| Fonfuka CDP, 2011.
