A long time friend of African Road grew up on a farm. As a child, he saved enough money to buy a single pig. That pig, and the income it eventually produced, helped move his family forward economically and became a source of joy and satisfaction for him.
It’s a fact he’s carried with him into adulthood and success.
When he learned that African Road was working to launch a pig project in Burundi through an initiative started by Changemaker Evariste, he didn’t hesitate. The parallels were plain. He helped fund the launch.
The project started with 20 pigs, boars and sows, placed within a single village in Burundi. The funding covered the purchase of the pigs, veterinary care, construction of pig pens and supplemental feed for the first months. The village took on the care and management of the animals.
In February, African Road Executive Director, Kelly Bean had the unique and joyful experience of being present in Burundi for the pig project dedication ceremony. Dancing and speeches and hope for the future marked the day. Kelly shared the story of the boy who once raised pigs, now grown, who had helped make this powerful step forward a reality. The people were touched and inspired.
After six months, one at a time, Batwa households will receive one piglet and the means to eventually breed their own. Once every household has a pig, the project moves to the next village. Four villages in total. A well-run pig operation is self-sustaining. Animals reproduce, knowledge transfers, and the economic foothold compounds over time.
This generous supporter of African Road saw something in this model he recognized. That, paired with assurance of sound leadership from Evariste Ndikumana and his team working with livestock experts in Burundi, was enough.
The pig project is just one of African Road’s East Africa Changemakers initiatives, supporting communities across the region with locally-led practical, sustainable pathways to economic stability.