"I love how this project is using the expertise/strengths of the local community at its foundation. This is nurturing autonomy, independence, self-worth. It is lead by locals... unlike many projects. This means it will last forever. We are learning from the locals. An equal sharing of knowledge and resources. The key to survival"
The success of BFFF relies upon the diverse and multi-layered relationships within the region of Lake Bunyonyi and beyond. We are grateful for the support and inspiration from individuals and organizations locally, regionally, nationally, and internationally.
Local Government(s)
LC3 – Hamuhamba Town Council
(Rubanda sub-county)
LC5 – Kabale Mayor
(Entire Kabale district)
Lake Bunyonyi Community
A member of BFFF’s Women’s Leadership Group, Morice Tkiikirize, has supplied BFFF with table cloths, aprons, and free-range eggs (to support community gatherings). Orders can be made through the BFFF form found on Connect-Contributions page. Morice also supports BFFF’s Youth Vocational Skills Training program. Youth leader, Martha Kyashmiri, is learning how to become a tailor through Morice’s mentorship. |
Entusi Resort & Retreat Center (across from BFFF site) |
Seeds of Hope (Itambira Island, 15 min boat ride from BFF Land) A well established Community Based Organization, Seeds of Hope (S.O.H.) provided a BFFF meeting space to gather community and conduct fieldwork. S.O.H. executive members and employees also offered generous guidance, support, and feedback to the emerging BFFF. In particular: Philip Tibenderana (also KAB Engineering Faculty), Hillary Wakire (also BFFF member), Chef Hilary, Geofred, Jasper, Jimmy, Barhum, Sally, Diana, & Naris, |
Good Life (Itambira Island) Good Life Community Project’s Gad Mucunguzi, began this inspirational project to ensure that “every child attains the right to survival, protection, development and participation” (website). We are grateful to Gad for his BFFF support, offering his knowledge and experiences in a number of different areas. |
Award-winning, James King Bagyenzi (King) and Ruhanga Tashobya (Tasha) are documenting the unfolding Story of Bunyonyi Food Forest Foundation (BFFF). Through a documentary and photo gallery of Kashekye’s Women & Youth, Batwa Community, and others involved in BFFF’s programs, a legacy of this work is being created for current and future generations. |
After visiting BFFF site, fellowship members of Lake Bunyonyi Rotary club have expressed a keen interest in collaboration to plant bamboo along the shores of BFFF (to enrich the health of land and water), and to support ongoing plans and projects. Kabale Rotary member (Donald Rukanga of Doppler Technology) has also assisted in transitioning BFFF’s website to a more Ugandan-friendly access (along with Maery O’Neill, Canada). |
Nyaka (western Uganda) Nyaka Founder & CEO (Jackson Kaguri) – and the entire Nyaka team and programs have helped to shape a holistic mindset of BFFF, based on inter-generational relations, gender equity, and equal access to vocational training, agriculture, safe and quality education. |
St. Theresa Girls Secondary School (Nsenyi, western Uganda) |
Meeting with Dr. Gladys Kalema-Zikusoka (world renowned Ugandan Wildlife Veterinarian) and her Conservation through Public Health (CTPH) Team, affirmed BFFFs commitment to “One Health’ principles, land and water conservation, stewardship, and youth engagement.
Caring for land and water of Bunyonyi Food Forest,
cares for the people of Bunyonyi’s Food Forest.
Dr. Francis Akena (KAB, Dean of Education) works with a Community Engagement initiative in Karamoja, Uganda – focusing on Climate Solutions related to Women’s Empowerment and Sustainable Agriculture (see video). Namazzi Winnifred Birabwa (Phd candidate and Assistant Lecturer, Curriculum Studies, KAB) received an International Education Scholarship (July, 2024) to attend VIU (for one full term) and further her studies in “Inclusive education for Batwa Indigenous minority groups in Uganda”. Drs. Nadine Cruickshanks & Joe Karmel (BFFF members & Professors, Faculty of Education, VIU), supported Winnifred during her stay at VIU. Scholarship funded by Global Affairs Canada. |
We are inspired by the “take action” motto of Jane Goodall Institute and their shared goal of “building a better, more sustainable world through community-centred conservation programs that support the intersection of animals, people, and the environment” (janegoodall.ca).
BFFF also shares in their commitment to create solutions for “Climate Change, Biodiversity Loss, and Environmental Inequity” (3 Crises)
We are in communication with Senior Managers of Jane Goodall Institutes – within Canada and Uganda – as we build collaborative ways forward.
Building trust, unifying, and respecting relationships between Kashekye and Batwa community(ies) is a cornerstone of Bunyonyi Food Forest Foundation (BFFF).
BFFF member (Nadine Cruickshanks) contributes much of her inspiration and guidance from Cultural Knowledge Keepers of Indigenous Coast Salish Peoples, Vancouver Island, Canada.
The history of colonization and relational conservation is strikingly similar between First Peoples of Uganda and Canada.
BFFF is ever-grateful for the ongoing support offered from individuals and families within Uganda, Canada, and beyond.
Their relentless connections and service to BFFF continues to inspire and build upon its vision, goals, and programs.
Global Affairs Canada: KAB-VIU-BFFF Connections