These associations reveal that, in addition to their impresseive elaborateness, the habitations are also striking for their highly defensive aspect. Considering Navrongo's historical background and social structure, this is hardly surprising.
Navrongo compounds consist of related individuals from several generations and vary in size.
The mean population of a compounds is 12 individuals. The basic structure of the compound involves several distinct but related families that have walled-off indoor and outdoor structures surrounding a common yard. Here's an bird's eye view of a typical family compound . During the day the animals are let out to forage for food. Each separate family section is accessable through the enclosed yard and other private entrances.