TWITEZIMBERE
STRENGTHENING THE RESILIENCE OF THE POPULATION OF EASTERN BURUNDI: INNOVATIVE LIVESTOCK FARMING TECHNIQUES AND ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION
With the “Twitzimbere” project, we intend to intervene in response to the current situation in order to promote integrated actions that address the environment and food production, through techniques and training for more sustainable household livestock rearing that meets household food needs; and by fostering greater access to more sustainable sources of energy (solar kits, improved charcoal production) as well as promoting reforestation and environmental protection awareness campaigns.
AREAS OF FOCUS
Food security| Environment | Livestock | Training
DONNE E MESTIERI
EMPOWERMENT OF YOUNG WOMEN IN KIRUNDO PROVINCE THROUGH VOCATIONAL TRAINING AND SELF-ENTREPRENEURSHIP PROGRAMS
The “Donne e Mestieri” project aims to contribute to improving the conditions of young women in Kirundo province by strengthening basic skills and knowledge in agribusiness that are essential for securing decent jobs in the future that can guarantee the beneficiaries and their families an adequate standard of living and the ability to meet basic needs; at the same time, through the setting of the School of Trades, to support vocational training and self-entrepreneurship, for the empowerment of women, by promoting pathways for young girls to train in a trade.
AREAS OF INTERVENTION
Women’s Empowerment | Training | Social Inclusion.
Education is the most powerful weapon
one can use to change the world.
Nelson Mandela
WHAT WE DO
With the “Twitzimbere” project, we intend to intervene with proposals and activities consistent with the current situation in order to implement integrated systems that address habitat, daily practices and resources that serve a better quality of life, sustainable and responsive livestock farming and the need for One Health_One Welfare global approach (One Health, One Welfare: opportunities to improve the health and well-being of people, animals and the environment).
The “Donne e Mestieri” project, on the other hand, aims to train teachers and students of the School of Trades through exchange and transfer of knowledge with local and international experts, particularly on improved techniques in agro-livestock, production of cereal and horticultural crops; small animal breeding (goats, birds and rabbits); fish farming; and beekeeping. This action will involve both field shadowing of teachers and students during school activities and the creation of four environments, on school grounds, aimed at practicing improved techniques in agro-livestock farming.
In addition, to foster a deeper understanding of the issues covered by the projects and increase awareness among young people, awareness-raising activities will be carried out in Emilia-Romagna: through digital channels, awareness events, and meetings in schools and universities in the area.
LOCAL PARTNERS
St. Thomas Parish, Laboratoire National Veterinaire de Bujumbura,Université du Burundi
OTHER PARTNERS
LVIA , Circolo Acli – Vet for Africa APS, Forli Center for Peace Association, SPAZIO 2030 APS, Center for Solar Communities
FINANCERS
Emilia-Romagna Region
PROJECT LEADER
Sonia Santucci
WHERE AND WHY
Burundi has more than 13 million inhabitants, a predominantly rural population mostly dedicated to subsistence agriculture. The country has a growth rate of 3.5 and galloping population pressure, which, combined with its traditional agricultural vocation, has over the years triggered massive land and land occupation in response to the country’s growing food needs.
During 2021, a law went into effect in the country requiring the housing of domestic and low-country animals in special buildings to remedy frequent clashes between farmers and ranchers due to grazing animals trespassing on cultivated fields. In response, farmers have resorted to makeshift animal shelters, adopting often precarious and unsanitary containment practices.
The massive expansion of agriculture also causes over-exploitation of land, soil degradation and destruction of protected areas. The average rate of deforestation is quite high considering that 96 percent of wood is used for domestic purposes and by 85 percent of households to light their homes.
THE IMPACT OF PROJECTS ON THE LOCAL COMMUNITY
Twitezimbere
– 800 families of farmers and ranchers/breeders
– 60 women coal producers
– 80 local authorities, 2,400 residents of Ruyigi and Rutana province and 400 members of Rural Service Centers
– 300 students from secondary schools in Ferrara, Forlì and Parma and the Universities of Ferrara and Bologna
– 100 representatives of civil society in Emilia-Romagna
– 110 citizens sensitized on key issues
DONNE E MESTIERI
– 120 female students between the ages of 15 and 20 living in the Gitobe municipality
– 8 teachers from the School of Trades
– 100 local families made aware of local educational offerings
– 260 secondary school teachers and students in Emilia-Romagna
– 100 representatives of civil society in Emilia-Romagna