Millet beer brewing and its socio-economic role in the lives of Mafa women in the far north province of Cameroon

Abstract

This thesis is aimed at investigating the relevance of beer brewing among the Mafa women located in the Far Northern Province of Cameroon. It makes the assumption that though there are several attempts by various bodies to fight the beer brewing as an activity of women; it continues to occupy a central aspect of their lives. It is claimed in this thesis that, beer brewing though challenging for the Mafa women seems the only economic venture available for them to save money. In talking about the relevance of beer brewing in the lives of Mafa women, it is claimed that the cabaret which is central in the beer brewing activity can also be a reflection of how life is within the society. This is understood better in the film: Le Cabaret de la Mater (Mater’s Pub) which is a part of the thesis. The cabaret serves as a place of socialization for many people within the community and also a platform for the discussion of several issues of concern in the society ranging from political to social. It would also be claimed in this work that, the activity which has met so much opposition from society especially section of religious bodies and NGOs, has via giving economic autonomy to women, resulted in the change of some of the old structures and male-female relation within the Mafa household. It is accordingly not uncommon to see the Mafa woman contributing towards the maintenance of the house: something that had solely been the responsibility of the man. Though this thesis does not completely rule out the fact that, the brewing of beer could have negative effects in the society, it is asserted that the advantages of this activity far out weight its disadvantages. Thus, beer brewing could cause alcoholism and food scarcity because people assume that what is used in brewing beer could be used in preparation of food in the society. I accept these as some of the negative impacts; but also admit the fact that, it also creates the opportunity for women to attain economic self-reliance is very crucial.

Key words: Mafa women, beer brewing, economic autonomy, old family structures, cabaret.