Agriculture
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Together We Can Help The Batwa
Help Themselves
Agriculture Initiatives
Once relocated out of the Forest and into their various settlements, the Batwa faced another challenge. While in the Forest, they were huntergatherers, but now that lifestyle could no longer be sustained in their new communities. With no agriculture knowledge, the Batwa faced a food security challenge. Aiding them in growing their crops and understanding agriculture and food nutrition emerged as a critical project of interest for BDP.
We began this project by taking the Batwa through practical training on proper agricultural land preparation practices and preparing a beginner-level food nutrition course. Once they obtain this basic knowledge, we support them to put this learning into practice in their homes. We regularly visit each household and provide on-site advice and support, particularly in cultivation improvement. Additionally, as part of this initiative, we purchase required seeds and distribute them to each household whose land has been well prepared, supervising and supporting them through the whole agriculture cycle.
Through our Agricultural Initiatives’ efforts, the Batwa can now grow and produce their own food for their sustainability. Some Batwa communities have even gone ahead to sell some of their harvests, providing for themselves an additional source of income. Having gone through multiple learning sessions in modern ways of farming and the importance of food nutrition, the Batwa now have a much better understanding and appreciation for food security and nutrition. This has led to lower cases of malnutrition and overall healthier Batwa communities.
While great strides have been in progress, we still face
numerous challenges. Along with the expected natural
obstacles, such as the fluctuating seasons, and nuisances,
such as baboons attacking their crops, we still grapple with
seed misuse in some homes.
I dream of a point in time where the Batwa’s harvests begin to benefit the surrounding communities. We invest in agriculture because we believe it is the best way to help the Batwa love their new home and become participating community members.
- Ivan Twinamatsiko, the Agricultural
Extension Worker at BDP
