Buduma (Yedina) People
The Buduma, also known as Yedina, are an ethnic group located around Lake Chad, inhabiting parts of Chad, Cameroon, and Nigeria. Historically known for their isolation and raids, they are now a peaceful and adaptive community. Their livelihood centers on fishing and cattle herding.
Geographic Distribution
- Regions: Islands and northern shores of Lake Chad
- Countries: Chad, Cameroon, Nigeria
- Habitat: Reeds, swamps, and remote islands of the lake
Name and Language
- Name by neighbors: Buduma ("people of the grass/reeds")
- Self-identified name: Yedina
- Language: Yedina language
History
- Claim descent from the Sao civilization and the Kanem-Bornu Empire
- During the 9th to 16th centuries, the Lake Chad region was under Kanem-Bornu influence
- The Buduma remained autonomous by settling in isolated lake islands
- Their remoteness allowed them to resist assimilation and maintain their identity
Culture
Economy
- Primary occupations: Fishing and cattle herding
- Some engage in commercial fishing; most practice it for subsistence
- Cattle are bred with large hollow horns to aid flotation across water
- Papyrus reeds are used for:
- Constructing boats and movable huts
- Domestic and artisanal purposes
- Staple foods:
- Fish
- Cow milk
- Water lily roots (ground into flour)
- Cattle are rarely slaughtered for meat
Clans and Subgroups
- Divided into two major groups:
- Kuri
- Buduma
- Prominent subgroups:
- Guria (largest)
- Mehul
- Maibuloa
- Budjia
- Madjigodjia
- Ursawa
- Media
- Siginda
- Each subgroup consists of specific lineages and clans
Religion
- Predominantly Muslim
- Converted during French colonial era through Islamic missionary efforts
- Retain traditional beliefs alongside Islamic practices
References
- Gordon, Raymond G. Jr. (ed.) (2005): "Buduma." Ethnologue: Languages of the World, 15th ed. Dallas: SIL International.
- Profile of the Buduma People