Khwe Cultural Village: Self-determined into the future

Standing on their own two feet: a joint project with vision

In cooperation with our member company Gebeco and local partner ATC, Futouris has been supporting a Khwe community in Bwabwata National Park for many years. The aim of the project was to create long-term income opportunities for the community by establishing tourism structures while preserving the cultural heritage of the Khwe.

A key result of this successful collaboration is the Khwe Cultural Village – a lively place that welcomes guests and offers insights into the traditional way of life of the Khwe. In addition to the construction of the Cultural Village, a well for a secure water supply and structures for agricultural vegetable cultivation were also created. At the end of 2023, Futouris officially handed over the administration of the project to the Khwe community.

Successful development – even after the end of the project

Around one and a half years after the project was completed, our local project coordinator Antje from ATC visited the village again and reported on positive developments, apart from a few remaining structural challenges:

• Water supply ensures quality of life: The well and solar pump built as part of the project have significantly improved living conditions in the village: The regular water supply not only enables the irrigation of vegetable fields, but also ensures better hygiene and health in everyday life.
• Young people secure cultural heritage: Numerous new members, including many younger ones, have been integrated into the village community alongside the founding members who are still active. This not only strengthens the economic foundation, but also passes on the traditional knowledge of the Khwe to the next generation.
• Craftsmanship with a future: The techniques learned in workshops are proving effective: today, the Khwe produce a diverse range of traditional, colourful handicrafts – popular with guests and a stable source of income.
• Campsite on their own initiative: A newly built campsite for self-drivers with water connection, fire pit and traditional shower house expands the tourist offer and appeals to new groups of guests.
• Visitor numbers are rising: Thanks to targeted communication and greater awareness, interest in the Cultural Village is growing steadily. The income from tourism is making a visible contribution to the economic independence of the Khwe community.

A flagship project for sustainable development

The Khwe Cultural Village is a prime example of how community-based tourism can become a driver of development – in harmony with nature, culture and community. Despite some structural challenges, the project is a powerful model for sustainable impact: it generates income, promotes education, strengthens cultural identity and gives the Khwe community the opportunity to confidently shape its own future.

We are proud of what we have achieved together and wish the Khwe community continued success on their self-determined path to a sustainable future!