Beatrice Bakundukize plays with her daughter outside their new home in Ngororero, after giving her a bath, made easier by the addition of a water tank now installed at their home. In her previous home in Kabaya village, which was devastated by a landslide, access to water was once a rare luxury.
While her new home offers safety and comfort, a new challenge emerged: her farm is a three-hour walk away, making it nearly impossible for her to care for her goats. Her current village is surrounded by neighbours' wheat fields, making it difficult to collect fodder, especially with the added responsibility of caring for her young children. As a result, she entrusted her goats to a friend, who agreed to look after them in exchange for one goat as compensation.
As a photojournalist documenting the lives of farmers, I have witnessed the significant impact of such hardships, especially on women-headed households. According to the Integrated Household Living Conditions Survey (EICV7), 61.6% of workers are employed in the agriculture sector. At the same time, the scarcity of arable land necessitates innovative solutions.
One promising solution is the introduction of hydroponic fodder production. Introducing hydroponic fodder production to farmers in Green Villages is essential for addressing limited land availability and preserving land for vital food crops. By adopting hydroponics, we can empower farmers, enhance their incomes, and promote sustainability, while ensuring food security in our community.
Read more at The New Times