The Lost Tradition of Fatherhood in African Society

In traditional African societies, fatherhood extended far beyond the biological father. Every man in the village embraced the role of a father, creating a collective sense of responsibility and care for the children. Growing up, I referred to my father’s brothers and cousins as dads. An older uncle was “Baba Mkubwa” (big dad), while a younger uncle was “Baba Mdogo” (small dad).

These men shared the responsibilities of disciplining me, helping with assignments, and guiding me through life. I respected them deeply for their involvement and support.

In such a community, there was no fear of letting someone else raise your child because shared values ensured that everyone had the child’s best interests at heart. The burden of raising a child was lightened as children grew up together, forming strong bonds and a supportive network. Parents felt comfortable leaving their children with others, knowing they were in safe hands.

Moreover, children learned responsibilities by working together, guided by the collective wisdom and experience of the community. This cooperative upbringing instilled a sense of duty, respect, and interdependence in every child.

However, modern influences have led us to adopt the Western model of nuclear family dynamics. The roles of Baba Mkubwa and Baba Mdogo have faded, leaving the biological father solely responsible for parental duties. This shift has eroded the sense of community that once defined our upbringing.

I yearn for a return to these communal values, where fatherhood is a shared role and every child is raised by the village.

Happy Father’s Day to all the fathers and father figures who continue to uphold the values of community and shared responsibility. As the African proverb goes, “It takes a village to raise a child.” May we always remember and cherish the strength of our collective bonds.