Yamba in Cameroon

Introduction / History

The Yamba inhabit a remote mountain range in the North West Province of Cameroon, just south of the Nigerian border. Seventeen Yamba villages within a thirty kilometer radius are accessible only by four-wheel drive vehicles, or by foot, due to poor road conditions.

The Yamba trace their ancestry back to the Tikars who migrated from Kimi, a region eighty miles east of Yamba land. For years, the Yamba remained quite isolated because of the difficulty in reaching this region. It was not until 1928 that any mission was able to reach the Yamba. Since 1975, with the blasting of a road over Rom Rock, there has been much more outside influence.

The people speak Yamba, the language of the region, along with some Pidgin and English. There are several dialects of Yamba, with the Mbem dialect playing an important role, since the other dialects understand it. SIL has been working with this language group since 1976. They have the New Testament and Jonah.

What Are Their Lives Like?

Throughout these Bamenda highlands, comprised of both rocky peaks and narrow valleys, the Yamba farm corn, beans, cocoyams, and peanuts and raise livestock.

What Are Their Beliefs?

Although 75% of the people call themselves Christian, many still hold onto traditional beliefs as a way to protect themselves against evil.

What Are Their Needs?

With only a 15% literacy among adults, much work remains. SIL has begun promoting literacy among the Yamba.

Prayer Points

Much prayer and support is needed if Scripture is to have an impact in reviving the Church among the Yamba.
Pray for the New Testament to become widely available in audio form.
Pray for the JESUS Film to be placed in every Yamba home.
Pray for Yamba disciples to make more disciples.

Text Source:   Joshua Project