Beneficiary case study: increasing access to food and water

In Rwanda, 0.4% of the population are indigenous, formally known as ‘twa’ or ‘batwa’. These citizens are classified as “historically marginalised” by the government. According to the Community of Potters of Rwanda 77% of this community are illiterate, 47% have no farmland and 30% are unemployed.

International Service volunteers with LUTI have developed the partnership with the indigenous group in Rango, who live in public housing. Previous cohorts focused solely on facilitating their knitting co-operative but we identified the necessity to improve their access to water and food. Our first priority was to build a kitchen garden, in which we planted carrots, dodo, spinach, celery and onions. We worked with members of the indigenous group to complete this. It was important because our needs assessment identified that they currently lack a consistent supply of vegetables. The work of the International Service team has been rewarded with an encouraging reception from the beneficiaries. For example, elders of the indigenous community said they would dance to celebrate the completion of the kitchen garden. We have observed growth in the vegetables we planted and expect some will be ready to use in cooking soon.

The team celebrating finishing building and planting the kitchen garden with members of the indigenous group.

In addition, we installed two tippy taps, which are hand washing devices to improve personal hygiene. Follow-up visits were undertaken to ensure each member of the community understood how to use the hand washing stations and were utilising them when necessary. Unfortunately, due to theft, the soap we provided has to be stored separately so people have to go to request it after using the toilet. Moreover, to complement these initiatives, we held sessions on nutrition and sanitation, as well as distributing resources on these areas. In order to enhance the profitability of their knitted goods, the team provided them with new colour palettes and a revised pricing structure. Our work has been linked to the Sustainable Development Goals of no hunger, clean water and sanitation and reducing inequality.  

Jean-Paul (JP) Bikorihana, 40, President of the group’s charcoal burner co-operative, spoke about the progress made alongside the International Service team. “We are grateful for everything that’s been done for us. We had a great time together.” Discussing the impact of the different projects that have been undertaken, JP was positive. “Even though the vegetables haven’t grown yet, they will help us to eat a balanced diet and put into practice the nutrition sessions that were delivered to stay healthy.” Hygiene and sanitation sessions complemented the installation of two tippy taps. JP said: “They will help us fight diseases caused by dirtiness and it’s a great way of living as even when we don't have enough water we will still have some left to wash our hands.” 

JP (far right) and other members of the indigenous community during a meeting with LUTI's volunteers.

In terms of business development, the colour combinations and pricing strategy proposed for the knitting co-operative is now being implemented. According to JP: “[The co-operative members] will still need training but they can manage as they have resources. They hope they will make a profit and may adjust the prices depending on the market.” With regards to creating products from iron sheets as an alternative source of income for the charcoal burner co-operative members, assistance to purchase the equipment is still required.  

Overall, JP claimed that the International Service team has been successful in making a difference to the lives of the indigenous group. “There’s a lot of change, especially in terms of our mindset. We now feel we can be more engaged and try to put into practice all the activities we did together like the kitchen garden and tippy taps.” The only request for future cohorts is to “follow up on all the activities we’ve started and to keep training them.”

Team member Winnie testing out one of the tippy taps that was built for the indigenous group.

Team leader Felicity said: “The indigenous group were the most in need of our help when we arrived and we are happy to have carried out most of our planned interventions with them.” Challenges faced in implementing our plans included the marginalisation of the indigenous group among the local community as well as practical difficulties to install a tap in an attempt to increase access to clean water. The team of volunteers strongly believe this group of beneficiaries should be the top priority for LUTI and hope the next cohort follow this lead.