Resilience Construction and Persistence of Coffee Production in Bui Division of the Cameroon Grassland, 1994-2017

Coffee is one of Cameroons principal cash earning products produced in different localities of the country.Bui Division is one of the major production belts.The Bui coffee production belt is located in Bui Division of the North West Region of Cameroon with Kumbo as its administrative headquarters.It covers a highland area characterized by volcanic soils, rugged hills, valleys, and a cool temperate climate (Neba, 1999, 82).Bui is bordered by Donga-Mantung Division to the north, Ngoketunjia to the west, Boyo to the south west, and the Adamawa Plateau to the east (Nkwi and Warnier, 1982, 15).The division is endowed with fertile soils and abundant rainfall, making it highly suitable for subsistence agriculture (maize, beans, potatoes, plantains) and cash crops such as coffee, kola nuts, and vegetables.Its topography also sustains grazing activities, which support cattle rearing and dairy production, especially in areas like Jakiri and Noni (Chilver and Kaberry, 1967, 42).Bui Division is historically associated with the Grassfields Kingdoms of Cameroon.It is composed of several Fondoms, the most prominent being Nso, Oku, Noni, and Mbiame, each with distinct histories but connected through Tikari migration traditions.The traditional rulers (Fons) remain influential in local governance, culture, and land management.During the colonial period, Bui was first under German rule and later administered as part of British Southern Cameroons following World War I (Fanso, 1989, 97).Bui is culturally diverse, though united by common Grassfields traditions.The Nso Fondom is the largest, but the Oku, known for their sacred forest and masquerade traditions, also play a significant role in the cultural identity of the Division.The Noni people have preserved a unique form of communal governance and are known for their farming and cattle rearing, while Mbiame represents another important Fondom with its own palace structures and rituals (Chilver and Kabbery, 51).Festivals, rituals, and palace institutions are central to social life across the Fondoms.Each kingdom has its Fon's palace as the spiritual and cultural nucleus, supported by secret societies (Ngwerong, Ngiri, and their