The sourga within the socio-economic life of Pere people living in the plain of Mayo-Baleo; Northern Cameroon

Abstract

The study investigated the sourga within the socio-economic life of the Pere people living in the plain of Mayo-Baleo, Northern Cameroon. It was found out that the sourga, as this reciprocal labor exchange constitutes an important aspect of the social, economic and cultral life of the Pere people. It has also continued to be crucial notwithstanding the change from subsistence farming to commercial farming among the Pere farmers. The sourga allows the integration of the Pere farmers to the market economy and consequently relates the area to the outside world. Sourga is a marker of kinship and belongingness and so reflects the cultural values of the Pere people. This social institution has been practiced for many years. It has undergone some changes but still, the cultural values and the increase search of profits maintain its existence.