The people of Wum, a town in the Northwest region of Cameroon, are mainly from the Aghem ethnic group. They speak the Aghem language, although English and French are also commonly used due to Cameroon's bilingual nature.
The Aghem people are primarily engaged in subsistence farming, growing crops like yams, maize, beans and cocoyams. Some are also involved in cattle rearing. They are known for their traditional craftsmanship, particularly in the areas of basket weaving and wood carving.
The social structure of the Aghem people is traditionally organized around village communities, each led by a Fon, a traditional ruler. Respect for elders and ancestors is a significant part of their cultural heritage.
In terms of religious beliefs, many Aghem people practice Christianity, although ancestral worship and other indigenous religious practices are also present. The town has several churches and a few mosques.
Wum is known for the Menchum Falls and the Lake Wum, which are popular tourist attractions. The town has a variety of basic social amenities such as schools, health centers, and markets but like many rural areas in Africa, Wum struggles with infrastructural challenges including poorly developed road networks and limited access to clean and potable water.
The Aghem people celebrate the Aghem Cultural Festival, a platform used to showcase their rich cultural heritage. The festival features traditional dances, music, masquerades, and traditional wrestling.
In recent years, the town and its people have been affected by the ongoing Anglophone Crisis in Cameroon, leading to displacements and disruptions in their daily life.
