Tubehoneza is a Burundian term meaning ‘our wellbeing’. Amidst the rolling plateaus and soaring mountains, the Burundi drums beat hard, banana beer brews and the people strive to live well together. They are a happy and hospitable people despite ranking poorly against other countries in terms of food security and human development.

The Tubehoneza (Our well-being) Project is a loving and kind initiative by the World Vision International and CARE International consortium seeking to improve the food security, nutrition, and social cohesion of rural Burundians. One might wonder what social cohesion has to do with food security and nutrition, but it turns out that while not being the most critical goal that these development partners are seeking to achieve for Burundians, it is an integral aspect of the success of the project. Social cohesion is at the heart of everything for them; a kind of a secret ingredient. The intentional inclusion of activities in the project that speak to this have a positive effect; the project beneficiaries are more open and willing to learn about and embrace healthier and more nutritive livelihood strategies, practices and behaviours that in the long run will achieve food security for their communities.   

“Where there is love there is no darkness.” Burundian proverb

The end evaluation gives a thumbs up to the project, highlighting the benefits that accrued to the many youth, women, and men who received training, accessed support groups and received practical financial advice. Enlightenment on practices and behaviors that promote food security and prevent chronic malnutrition led to healthy mothers, healthy children, and a healthy community. Conflict related issues within the families or community were handled by conflict management mechanisms developed through the project, contributing to the preservation of the community fabric.