Time patience and control of social stratification among the hunting and gathering society of southeastern Cameroon

2016 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 26870297
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Young Scientists (B)
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Research Field: Area studies; Cultural anthropology
• Research Institution: Tokyo University of Foreign Studies (2015-2016); Research Institute for Humanity and Nature (2014)
• Principal Investigator: Oishi Takanori 東京外国語大学, 現代アフリカ地域研究センター, 講師 (30528724)
• Project Period (FY): 2014-04-01 – 2017-03-31
• Keywords: 狩猟採集民と商業民の関係 / バカ・ピグミー / 狩猟採集民の起業家精神 / カメルーン

Outline of Final Research Achievements

The Baka of southeastern Camewroon are struggling to adapt to the market economy without giving-up the hunting and gathering lifestyle. This study examined how their relationship to merchants impacts on subsistence activities and individual sense of value, especially time patience. Findings show that some Baka forge entrepreneurships to challenge new businesses at small-scale and get success. Further study is needed to understand how widely observed acceptance of delayed return economic activities and diversification of cash gaining behaviors are related to social transformation not only between the Baka and their neighbors but also among the Baka individuals.

Free Research Field

生態人類学