Animal Farming Project

Our objectives are:
(i) To encourage families to raise animals to improve their diet and economic resources;
(ii) To develop a self-sustainable system of animal breeding and exchange (pigs, goats, rabbits and chickens), with the aim of encouraging, training, and motivating Batwa families in animal husbandry.
(iii) TTo foster a sense of community and long-term vision by creating groups in each settlement, with a shared plan to raise and breed animals for a common goal

Planning

To strengthen both the nutrition and livelihoods of the Batwa population, EVC has invested in a sustainable animal husbandry project with the main objective of enabling families to self-produce meat, milk, and eggs. To ensure sustainability, we organized groups in each of the 10 villages, each composed of five families, and entrusted them with animals to raise and breed—currently pigs and rabbits, with goats and chickens to follow.
The project is governed by clear regulations that define both the rights and responsibilities of beneficiaries. Families are responsible for feeding and caring for the animals, while EVC provides routine veterinary care, an initial supply of feed, support for mating, and targeted training. Two experienced local breeders are engaged to deliver hands-on guidance. Beneficiaries also benefit from the manure as fertilizer and retain most of the offspring, while a portion is returned to EVC for redistribution to new groups, creating a cycle of sustainability and expansion.
Our strategy, grounded in scientific and operational evidence, includes:
- Formation of breeder groups in each village, supported by EVC and local experts.
- Continuous capacity building, through monthly training sessions, weekly phone support, and regular supervision visits with data collection, analysis, and solutions for challenges.
- Provision of initial feed supplies at project start-up and additional feed during farrowing to support lactation.
- Comprehensive veterinary support, both routine and on-demand.

This model not only improves household nutrition and economic resilience but also fosters a sense of community ownership and long-term sustainability within Batwa settlements.
Expected Results

Our objectives for 2025-26 are to (i) increase the number of animal farms so as to include all families in at least one breeding project, (ii) increase the number of animal species, including chickens and goats as a complement to pig and rabbit farming, (iii) support the processing of animal products and their marketing, and (iv) ensure the sustainability of veterinary expenses and feed.

Results Achieved

Through the distribution of Piglets and Rabbits, Monthly training sessions, Veterinary service, Pig feed, we have achieved the following results: (i) The creation and training of 3 to 5 groups of breeders in every village, who are taking care of the piglets entrusted to them. (ii) 95% of the families is breeding rabbits at their own place. (iii) Implementation of a work plan that includes veterinary service, technical support from 2 experienced local breeders, monthly training and supervision with feedback to solve any problems and ensure good animal management practice.