Ngada district

Regency capital
Bajawa

Population
245 864

The Ngadha people of Ngada district are also called Rokka or Rokanese. The district is located in the southern and central parts of Flores, around the Inerie volcano and on the Bajawa plateau. Agriculture is the dominating source of income, and farmers cultivate corn, millet, and vegetables. Vanilla has been one of the most profitable crops in recent years. Some areas are also suitable for terraced rice fields.

The traditional Ngada villages are composed of wooden pile houses, which are organized according to clan territories. Marriage is strictly clan endogamous, and marriage between cousins is encouraged. After marriage, the husband belongs to his wife's clan until full bride wealth is paid. Clans traditionally also acted as political units.

The capital of Ngada is Bajawa, which lies in the middle of the cool highlands. Near by is the most famous traditional village in the district, Bena. Some tourists find their way to Bajawa and Bena, but tourism potentials are far from fully utilised.

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