Balo in Cameroon

Introduction / History

Balos live in three small villages in southwest Cameroon: Alunfa, Alunti, and Batebi. Historically, this region was first governed by Germany, then divided between the United Kingdom and France before eventually becoming part of Cameroon.

What Are Their Lives Like?

For most Balo families, agriculture is central to daily life. Women primarily tend crops such as corn, cassava, beans, yams, and plantains to provide for their households. Men often cultivate cash crops like cocoa and coffee to generate income. Recently, pig farming has become increasingly popular. To help farmers cope with tough weather, the government provides improved seeds and introduces modern farming techniques.

Traditional Balo cuisine features flavorful dishes. Fufu, a soft dough made from yams, cassava, or plantains, is a well-known favorite. Another popular meal is eru, a hearty soup prepared with leafy greens. These local specialties are now gaining fans beyond Cameroon as well.

What Are Their Beliefs?

Many Balo people practice Christianity, though some still observe indigenous beliefs, including the idea that spirits may inhabit animals, plants, or even objects. Balo people often blend traditional customs and Christian teachings in their daily life.

What Are Their Needs?

Due to historical events, English-speaking members of the Balo community sometimes feel marginalized by the predominantly French-speaking government, which has led to incidents of property damage and arrest. Access to quality education and healthcare remain a challenge, mainly because infrastructure like roads and buildings need improvement.

The Balo language is spoken throughout the community and remains the primary means of communication among adults. However, younger generations are also learning Cameroon Pidgin. For those with internet access, the Global Recordings Network offers a selection of Bible stories and teachings at gospelrecordings.net.

Prayer Points

Pray for a peaceful and just resolution to the conflict in the Southwest Region of Cameroon.
Pray that Balo speakers will engage with the audio Scriptures that are available online and find comfort in trying times.
Pray that Balo community and church leaders can connect with Bible translation organizations to explore the possibility of oral and written translation projects to provide their people with God’s Word in their heart language.
Ask God to raise up workers to help the Balo to know God, to translate God’s Word into their language, and to follow Christ.

Text Source:   Joshua Project