Within the Mada tribe, the men are responsible for planting the crops and reaping the harvest. However, much of the farm work is done by the women. For instance, they also work alongside the men to clear the land for cultivation. They also tend to the animals and the small vegetable gardens. The Mada live in a patriarchal , or male dominated, society.
Inheritances go first to the man's eldest son, then to the man's younger brother.
Their society is also patrilocal , which means that newlywed couples live among the groom's family. A Mada marriage ceremony usually involves the payment of a bride-price. The prospective groom will pay the girl's family with money, wine, or animals. If he cannot pay, he will perform a bride-service. This means that he will agree to do agricultural work for the girl's family.