Seed Bank Project

Our objectives are:
(i) To encourage families to cultivate their own garden to improve their diet and economic resources;
(ii) To develop a self-sustainable system of seed conservation in 'seed banks' for subsequent plantings;
(iii) To reduce cases of communicable diseases, including COVID-19.

Planning

To improve the nutrition and economy of the Batwa population, we decided to invest sustainably in this agricultural project with the main objective of supporting beneficiaries in self-production of different varieties of food. To make it self-sustainable, we created 'banks' for proper seed storage, and committees in each village with the purpose of creating a 'consortium' where farmers can deposit and withdraw seeds in an organized manner and benefit from services offered by EVC, such as educational sessions in health and training on agricultural practices, and the introduction of new plant varieties. The strategies, based on scientific and operational evidence, that we have decided to implement are: (i) The creation of 10 local committees (one per village), to manage the 'bank' and the correct conservation of seeds, sensitize participants to deposit, and perform monitoring of crop progress. (ii) Training in agriculture at the beginning and end of planting and harvesting seasons, and ad hoc based on identified needs. (iii) Procurement of initial quantities of seeds to start the project, with a progressive increase in quantities until a stable level has been set, and then focusing on other crops to introduce in order to reach a greater number of varieties and increase biodiversity. (iv) 5 planting seasons were necessary to train participants in the correct cultivation of beans and corn, in self-sustainability with their own resources in maintaining the 'seed banks' ensuring appropriate conservation and redistribution of seeds, while now we are introducing the cultivation of peanuts, millet, carrots, pumpkins and potatoes. (v) Initial supply of agricultural work tools. (vi) Use of this platform and structure of frequent meetings for conducting educational sessions in health and hygiene, and for the distribution of a monthly quota of soap.

Expected Results

Our objectives in the 2025-26 biennium are to (i) continue the project with two planting seasons per year, adding other varieties of seeds, so as to improve the diet and income of beneficiary families, (iii) to scale vertical gardening practices with pumpkins and potato & beans towers, and to (iii) introduce the cultivation of fruit trees.

Results Achieved

Through the distribution of Work tools, Seeds, Materials for seed conservation, bars of Soap, Purchase of an EVC motor vehicle, Frequent educational sessions on hygiene and health and agricultural training, We have achieved the following results: (i) All families receive a monthly dose of soap, along with educational sessions on hygiene and health; (ii) Initially no Batwa family cultivated their own garden, while now 100% of families successfully adhere to our project; (iii) All families participating in the project benefit from a varied and self-produced food resource, in addition to a possible source of income; (iv) Hand washing has increased and diseases related to lack of hygiene have decreased.