Introduction / History

Mbongno is spoken in Cameroon, in the Adamawa region. Some also live in Nigeria. Sudanese people invaded the region where the Mbongno live in the 8th and 9th centuries. At various times during the colonial era, they were ruled by the British, German, and French.

What Are Their Lives Like?

Subsistence farming is the most common occupation of the Mbongno people. Their main crop is millet, but they also grow maize, manioc (also called cassava or yucca), cocoyams, yams, and groundnuts. Cash crops are coffee and wheat.

Like the other ethnic groups in the region, the Mbongno people have their own festivals and holidays. Births, funerals, and weddings are occasions for celebration. Those who are Muslims also observe Ramadan.

What Are Their Beliefs?

Islam and African Traditional Religion are strong throughout the Adamawa region. Elements of these two belief systems tend to be mixed. A small percentage of the Mbongno are Christians. Local denominations do not emphasize sharing their faith in Christ.

What Are Their Needs?

It is difficult for Mbongno people to get adequate medical care. Some towns have clinics and there is a hospital in the region’s capital, Ngaoundéré. With little access to clean drinking water, sanitation is a major concern. Access to education services and markets is also limited.

The adults in the community still use the Mbongno language, but young people are losing interest in learning their mother tongue. Mbongno is not taught in schools. Elders may want a Bible translation project to help preserve their language and give them access to God’s Word. Currently, there are no plans for such a project.

Prayer Items

Pray for better access to basic services, including health, education, and markets. May the Mbongnos people know their creator is also their provider and put their trust in him for their daily needs.
Pray for a desire to know Christ better among Mbongno believers, and may they be diligent in prayer and in following Jesus.
Pray that all Mbongno people would long for a close relationship with their God, which is only possible through Jesus Christ. Pray for workers to bring the Good News and God’s love to these people who are precious to God.
Pray that Mbongno people will gain access to the Bible in their own language, helping them to know their God well, and to become mature followers of Jesus.

Scripture Prayers for the Akum in Cameroon.

References

Kamkam language - Wikipedia
PeopleGroups.org - Kamkam
Adamawa Region - Wikipedia