Saibu Doi Anugu belongs to the Mbororo in Cameroon; traditionally nomadic, they are a branch of the Fulani, one of West Africa's largest ethnic groups.

Unlike most of the Fulani, the Mbororo have kept their pastoral way of life, herding their cattle in the wide grasslands. They have been moving from what is now Nigeria into northwestern Cameroon ever since the 19th century; at first there was plenty of space, and they lived alongside the local farmers without widespread conflict, as they herded their cattle between the mountain and the plains.

In the past they have kept themselves separate from other peoples, but they are now undergoing a period of change, with many of them wanting schools for their children, and taking up farming as well as herding.

The Mbororo have become Muslims during the last century. They have a great pride in their identity, and an inherited code of behaviour (pulaaku) which teaches independence, discretion and self-control.

A few days ago, the Mbororo joined other indigenous peoples in the Congolese town of Impfondo, to compare notes and discuss with governments and international agencies how best way to safeguard their way of life.

For communities like the Mbororo and pygmy groups, the forest is not just a place to seek shelter. It provides food, medicine and products, such as honey and baskets, which can be sold to neighbouring Bantu farmers. Community leaders talk of slave-relations between some groups and neighbouring farmers who sometimes ‘own’ forest people and regard them as sub-human.

A Baka pygmy - photographed at the conference - at the climax of his initiation into manhood. After circumcision the teenager spends several days in the forest, often sitting in a moving stream and using medicinal plants to cure the wound. Then he emerges dressed from head to toe in palm leaves and is now ready to marry.

Saibu Doi Anugu represented Mboscuda, the Mbororo Social and Cultural Development Association, at the Impfondo Conference. He is passionate about the role of education in helping his community to improve itself.

For this Baka girl climbing a tree in the Likouala region of the Republic of Congo the rainforest is home. In the final forum declaration drawn up by all the indigenous groups the delegates spoke of a 'cultural genocide' against their way of life. (Photos by Saibu Doi Anugu and John James)